Human rights violations have persisted in Niger since the military coup in July 2023, as highlighted in a recent Amnesty International report. This report calls for accountability from the Nigerien military regime, documenting a concerning trend of human rights abuses under their rule.
The Amnesty report outlines a troubling array of violations, including arbitrary detentions, press censorship, and a crackdown on civil society organizations. These actions have significantly impacted fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial. The suspension of the activities of political parties and the arrests of political figures, including the former President Mahmoud Bazoum, have further exacerbated the situation. The detention conditions remain harsh for those imprisoned, even when courts have ordered their release.
Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa, emphasized that the military authorities had initially justified their takeover with promises of improving security and governance. However, the report states that these promises have not been kept, with an escalation in human rights violations instead. Amnesty International calls on the regime to adhere to international and regional commitments that protect citizens’ rights to free expression and peaceful assembly.
The deterioration of civic space is further evidenced by the suspension of multiple international media outlets and the leader organization of 32 media entities, Maison de la Presse. Journalists and civil activists such as Ousmane Toudou, Soumana Maiga, and Moussa Tchangari have faced arbitrary arrests, impacting the ability of the local and global media to report freely on the situation. Furthermore, changes to the Cybercrime Law have been used to monitor and penalize criticism of the government.
In light of these findings, Amnesty International has reiterated its demand for the immediate release of detainees and an end to the repression of journalists and activists. They urge the Nigerien authorities to respect the treaties that ensure protections against torture and other ill-treatment. More details on the report and the situation in Niger can be found on JURIST.