Niger Authorities Fail to Uphold Human Rights Post-Coup, Amnesty Report Indicates
Amnesty International’s report details severe human rights violations in Niger following the July 2023 military coup. The military-led authorities have failed to uphold commitments to protect civil liberties, resulting in arbitrary detentions, curtailed freedoms, and a repressive environment. The organization calls for respect for international human rights obligations and the release of arbitrarily detained persons.
In a recent report, Amnesty International condemned the failure of the Nigerien military-led authorities to uphold human rights and protect civil liberties following the coup in July 2023. The report, titled “Niger: Threatened and Brought to Heel: Human Rights and Civic Space under pressure since the 26 July Coup,” highlights the significant decline in civic space and the rise of civil and political rights violations since the deposing of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Amnesty’s investigation has revealed numerous human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and infringements on the right to a fair trial, affecting various individuals such as former President Bazoum, his wife, cabinet members, journalists, and human rights advocates. Marceau Sivieude, Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa at Amnesty International, emphasized that the authorities’ commitment to uphold the rule of law and human rights has not materialized, stating, “Our report shows that they have clearly failed.”
Following the coup, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) suspended the 2010 Constitution while professing a commitment to human rights and democracy. However, Sivieude criticized this approach, noting that, “Despite the guarantees given by the new Nigerien authorities, human rights have been trampled in law and practice.” This deterioration is exemplified by the ongoing detention of former President Bazoum and his spouse, among others, despite international court rulings advocating for their release.
The CNSP has further curtailed civic freedoms by suspending political party activities and reinstating prison sentences for defamation. Additionally, the establishment of a national registry targeting individuals allegedly linked to terrorism has been misused to suppress dissent and restrict citizenship rights.
Freedom of expression has been under consistent threat in Niger, with multiple journalists and civil society figures facing arbitrary detention. Instances of this include the arrest of Ousmane Toudou, former advisor to President Bazoum, and other journalists who faced serious charges without clear trial dates. Activists have noted a chilling effect, where self-censorship is prevalent due to fears of governmental reprisals. “If you criticize the government, be sure that you risk being arrested,” warned a civil society member.
Amnesty International continues to urge the Nigerien authorities to adhere to their obligations under international and regional treaties that safeguard fundamental freedoms. The organization calls for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained individuals and urges respect for the rights to free expression and fair trials amidst the potential extension of the transition period in Niger.
The report by Amnesty International illustrates a concerning trend of human rights violations in Niger following the military coup in July 2023. The findings reveal a stark decline in civic space, as leaders fail to fulfill their commitment to uphold human rights. Amnesty calls for immediate action to restore freedoms and address the repression of dissenting voices, emphasizing the need for adherence to international human rights treaties.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
