Niger has experienced significant turmoil since the July 2023 coup that ousted President Bazoum, leading to severe repression of dissent, arbitrary detentions, and a crackdown on media freedoms. Political opposition has been silenced, and human rights defenders face harassment and persecution. International calls for justice emphasize the need for the restoration of constitutional order and respect for individual rights.
On July 26, 2023, Niger experienced a coup d’état as military forces deposed elected President Mohamed Bazoum. This uprising, led by the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), was justified under the pretext of addressing security issues and economic mismanagement. However, the subsequent military regime has instituted severe repression, infringing on civil liberties and taking harsh measures against dissenters, including arbitrary arrests and the suppression of civic spaces.
In the wake of the coup, the military authorities intensified their crackdown on political opposition. Former President Bazoum, along with several former government officials and political figures, was placed under house arrest, facing limited access to healthcare and legal representation. Despite an order from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court for his release, Bazoum remains detained, reflecting a failure to adhere to the rule of law and fostering a climate of fear among dissenters.
Media freedom in Niger has significantly deteriorated since the coup. The military government has suspended important international media outlets and instigated the arrest of journalists for critical reporting. Activists and media personnel operate under potential threat of detention or intimidation, leading to increased self-censorship and a lack of reliable information for the public, thereby hampering democratic discourse.
Civil society groups and human rights defenders have become prime targets for persecution as the regime labels them threats to national security. Activists like Hadiza* and Samira Sabou have faced arbitrary detention for social media criticisms, highlighting the drastic measures taken against peaceful dissent. Poor treatment of detainees is common, and escalating repression has led some activists to flee the country, creating a void in human rights advocacy in Niger.
The introduction of strict cybercrime laws further compounds the attack on freedom of expression. This legislation criminalizes online dissent, imposing severe penalties for those perceived as criticizing the authorities, contributing to a culture of fear. Public discourse has become fraught with risk as citizens refrain from expressing dissenting opinions despite the urgency to advocate for democratic reforms.
Eighteen months post-coup, Niger remains engulfed in uncertainty with no restoration of constitutional order. Amnesty International has urged the Nigerien authorities to release all arbitrarily detained individuals, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard the rights of journalists and activists. The call for accountability underscores the need for action from the international community in supporting the rights of Niger’s citizens, who deserve a government that respects their freedoms rather than one that thrives on oppression.
In conclusion, the situation in Niger post-coup is marked by widespread repression, arbitrary detentions, and a severe decline in media freedom and civil society operations. The military government has employed harsh measures to silence dissent, creating an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship among activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens. International pressure remains vital to restore rights and freedoms in Niger, as well as to hold authorities accountable for their actions.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
