Niger: A Nation in Turmoil and Repression Post-Coup
Niger experienced a military coup on July 26, 2023, leading to severe human rights violations and repression. Political leaders, including President Mohamed Bazoum, remain detained, while media freedoms have been crushed. Activists face threats under draconian laws, severely limiting freedom of expression and public dissent, as international appeals for justice intensify.
On July 26, 2023, Niger’s elected leader, Mohamed Bazoum, was ousted by the military in a coup d’état led by the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP). Following this seizure of power, the military suspended the constitution and dissolved vital institutions, citing security concerns and economic mismanagement. The regime’s aftermath has led to severe human rights violations and repression, crippling civil liberties and stifling dissent through arbitrary detentions and legal measures.
Post-coup, the regime has arrested political figures, including Bazoum, his family, and former government ministers, who are now under house arrest or facing harsh prison conditions. Despite orders for their release from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), many detainees remain imprisoned. The military government has also undermined the rule of law, creating an environment of fear and repression that suppresses any challenge to its authority.
Press freedom has faced drastic cuts under military rule, with numerous media outlets suspended and journalists arrested for merely reporting on governmental actions. As a result, critical voices in journalism have been silenced, and public dissent has become exceedingly dangerous. Activists report intimidation and threats, contributing to widespread self-censorship among journalists and civil society members, severely restricting the flow of accurate information.
Human rights activists continue to be prime targets since the coup, often labeled as threats to national security. Detainees, including individuals like Hadiza and Samira Sabou, face severe repercussions under oppressive cybercrime laws for criticizing the government on social media. Additionally, the right to protest has been effectively dismantled; peaceful assembly is met with brutal government crackdowns, pushing many activists into exile.
Recent amendments to Niger’s cybercrime law have intensified restrictions on freedom of expression, imposing harsh penalties on critics. Under this law, individuals charged with defamation or disturbing public order can face significant prison terms and fines. This legal framework has further contributed to a culture of self-censorship, where citizens fear governmental retaliation for speaking out—a trend that continues to diminish the space for meaningful public discourse.
Eighteen months post-coup, Niger remains in political turmoil without any restoration of constitutional order. Amnesty International calls for immediate actions, including the release of all political prisoners, respect for legal processes, and the ceasing of attacks on journalists and civil rights advocates. The organization urges that international efforts be made to hold Nigerien authorities accountable for their actions, advocating for a return to a government that prioritizes the rights and freedoms of its citizens, rather than employing fear and oppression against them.
The situation in Niger following the July 2023 coup exemplifies the challenges faced by nations under military rule, especially concerning human rights and expression. The ongoing repression of civil liberties, arbitrary detentions, and severe restrictions on press freedom highlight a disturbing trend of authoritarian governance. The call for international intervention echoes the urgent need for humanitarian advocacy and the restoration of democratic principles in Niger, ensuring that the populace’s rights are upheld amidst political uncertainty.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
