Amnesty International’s report details human rights violations in Niger since the July 2023 military coup, including arbitrary detentions, suppression of freedom of expression, and violations of civil liberties. Key figures like former President Bazoum remain unlawfully detained amid a broader clampdown on dissent. The organization urges authorities to respect human rights and adhere to international obligations.
Amnesty International’s recent report highlights the inability of Niger’s military-led authorities to maintain their promised commitment to human rights and 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,” details the deterioration of civic freedoms and numerous violations of civil and political rights since the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum.
The organization documented several human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and breaches of detainees’ rights, alongside restrictions on fair trial rights and press freedom. Victims of these arbitrary detentions include former President Mohamed Bazoum, his wife, key cabinet officials of the previous regime, journalists, and human rights activists.
Marceau Sivieude, the Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa at Amnesty International, emphasized that the authorities, despite declaring a commitment to law and human rights, have failed to honor these principles. He noted, “Our report shows that they have clearly failed” to uphold their promises.
On July 28, 2023, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), which orchestrated the coup, suspended the 2010 Constitution while affirming Niger’s commitment to the rule of law and human rights as delineated in international treaties. “Despite the guarantees given by the new Nigerien authorities, human rights have been trampled in law and practice,” stated Mr. Sivieude.
Since the coup, both President Bazoum and his spouse remain detained in defiance of a ruling from the ECOWAS Court of Justice demanding their release. The former president faces serious charges, while his wife has not been formally charged. Several former cabinet ministers are also in detention, highlighting the ongoing violations against political figures.
The CNSP has been accused of rolling back human rights and restricting political activities, such as the suspension of political party operations and reinstating prison sentences for defamation. A registry for individuals alleged to be involved in terrorism-related activities further illustrates this abuse of power.
Freedom of expression has been severely curtailed, as prominent critics of the regime, including journalists and civil society leaders, face arbitrary detention. The national media landscape has suffered significantly, with the Press House dissolved and replaced by a government-controlled ad hoc committee.
Noteworthy arrests include Ousmane Toudou, a former communications adviser to the president, and Soumana Maiga, an editor charged after exposing alleged military misconduct. In this increasingly repressive atmosphere, self-censorship among journalists is rampant, as criticisms of the government can lead to severe consequences.
Marceau Sivieude reiterated the need for the Nigerien authorities to adhere to international treaties that protect freedoms of expression and assembly, as well as the rights of detainees. Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained, and shared preliminary findings of their report with Niger’s authorities, to which they have yet to receive a response.
Amnesty International’s report underscores the grave human rights violations occurring in Niger after the July 2023 military coup, particularly the arbitrary detentions and repression of civil liberties. Despite claims from the new authorities regarding adherence to the rule of law, the report reveals a stark contradiction, highlighting the increased restrictions on freedom of expression and the ongoing persecution of former officials and critics. Amnesty International calls for urgent action to uphold human rights and fulfill international obligations in Niger.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
