Amnesty International’s report highlights a significant decline in human rights in Niger since the July 2023 military coup. The report identifies arbitrary detentions, especially targeting former officials and journalists, and indicates the authorities’ failure to maintain their commitments to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law. The lack of legal protections and increasing repression has created an environment of fear and self-censorship among critics.
Amnesty International has released a report indicating that Nigerien military-led authorities have failed to uphold human rights and protect civil liberties following the July 2023 coup. The report titled, “Niger: Threatened and Brought to Heel: Human Rights and Civic Space under pressure since the 26 July Coup,” highlights the erosion of civic space and numerous violations of civil and political rights since the coup, including arbitrary detentions and abuses against detainees.
Among the victims of these violations are former President Mohamed Bazoum, his spouse, and several cabinet members of the previous regime, in addition to journalists and human rights defenders. Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa, stated that the military authorities had promised to maintain the rule of law and human rights, which they have evidently failed to do, showing a marked increase in abuses since seizing power.
On July 28, 2023, the military-led National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) suspended the 2010 Constitution while claiming to uphold human rights and democracy. However, according to Sivieude, this pledge has proven hollow as arbitrary detentions have become prevalent and court rulings remain unheeded. Despite a ruling declaring their detention arbitrary, Mohamed Bazoum and his spouse remain incarcerated, illustrating a severe disregard for judicial oversight and human rights protections.
The CNSP’s actions have included suspending political party activities and reinstating penalties for defamation, effectively reversing some human rights advancements. A national registry has also been created, wrongly labeling critics as involved in terrorism-related activities, thereby endangering their citizenship.
Since the coup, the crackdown on freedom of expression has intensified, with numerous journalists and civil society members facing arbitrary arrest. Notably, journalist Ousmane Toudou was detained on charges of treason, while Soumana Maiga, editor of L’Enquêteur, was arrested following the publication of sensitive material. The continued repression has fostered a culture of self-censorship among media professionals.
Amnesty International calls for the Nigerien authorities to adhere to international treaties safeguarding freedoms of expression, assembly, and fair trial rights. The organization urges the immediate release of all individuals detained arbitrarily and advocates for the humane treatment of those in custody. The report’s preliminary findings were shared with Nigerien authorities in February 2025, yet no response has been received by the time of the report’s conclusion.
The Nigerien authorities, emergent from a military coup, have failed to honor commitments to uphold human rights and maintain civil liberties, as evidenced by Amnesty International’s recent report. The report underscores widespread human rights violations, arbitrary detentions, and the suppression of freedom of expression. In light of these grave concerns, Amnesty urges strict adherence to international human rights treaties and advocates for the immediate release of those unjustly detained.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
