Niger junta cracks down on dissent amid mounting rights concerns

These developments paint a grim picture of Niger’s trajectory under the junta, with growing risks to governance,  freedoms, and human rights

NIAMEY, Niger (MNTV) – In Niger, a landlocked country in West Africa, the military junta has intensified its crackdown on opposition voices and dissent, drawing widespread condemnation since ousting President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup in July 2023.

The junta has detained Bazoum, his wife, close relatives, and several prominent journalists, including Ousmane Toudou, for criticizing the coup, and editor Soumana Maiga, for reporting alleged espionage activities.

In its annual report, Human Rights Watch accused the junta of “severely undermining fundamental freedoms by targeting journalists, activists, and political opponents.”

The report highlighted alarming trends, including the rejection of public oversight, curtailment of media independence, and suppression of human rights organizations.

The junta’s actions have further stifled freedom of expression, with the reinstatement of a 2019 cybercrime law that imposes prison sentences for defamation.

Niger also faces an escalating militant insurgency from groups such as the Islamic State in the Sahel Province (ISSP), Boko Haram, and Al-Qaeda-linked factions, compounding its governance challenges.

Despite these pressing issues, the junta has resisted regional and international intervention. In August 2023, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions, travel bans, and asset freezes.

The junta responded by announcing in January last year that it would leave ECOWAS, effectively severing a critical avenue for external support and justice mechanisms.

Adding to these concerns, on October 10 last year, junta leader Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani issued a decree revoking the Nigerien nationality of nine individuals linked to Bazoum.

This move, based on the country’s terrorism database order, raises significant human rights questions, potentially leaving the individuals stateless and barring their return to Niger.

Meanwhile, the government has restructured independent media organizations to align with its directives.

A new management committee for the Maison de la Presse was established on January 29, led by the secretary general of the Interior Ministry.

The operations of human rights organizations have also been restricted “until further notice,” as per a circular issued by the human rights minister, violating national and international human rights statutes.

As militant violence in border regions continues to rise, the junta’s policies and increasing isolation have deepened concerns over Niger’s stability. Human Rights Watch warned that “the consolidation of military rule in Niger could have devastating consequences for the country’s human rights landscape and regional security.”

These developments paint a grim picture of Niger’s trajectory under the junta, with growing risks to governance, freedoms, and human rights.