Niger’s military junta has intensified authoritarian rule following the July 2023 coup, leading to increased repression, detentions, and civil liberties erosion. Amnesty International’s report highlights ongoing human rights violations, arbitrary detentions, and a disregard for judicial processes, contributing to a climate of fear and oppression. The junta’s governance by decree exacerbates the situation, isolating the nation internationally.
Niger’s ruling military junta is increasingly consolidating power following the coup on July 26, 2023, which has resulted in heightened repression of dissent, detaining political opponents, and governing through decrees. This escalation of authoritarianism has led to a significant erosion of civil liberties, unsettling citizens and isolating the country internationally.
According to a recent Amnesty International report, which compiles 18 months of investigation, human rights violations are on the rise. The junta is accused of failing to uphold its promises while engaging in arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and silencing critical voices under the guise of state security. “In the name of ‘state security’… the military leaders who seized power… imposed authoritarian practices to silence any critical voices,” remarked Marceau Sivieude from Amnesty International.
The situation for ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife, Hadiza Mabrouk, exemplifies this deteriorating climate. Both have been detained since the coup, and despite the Economic Community of West African States Court of Justice declaring their detention arbitrary in December 2023, they remain imprisoned. Bazoum was subsequently charged in June 2024 with high treason, although no formal charges were laid against his wife. A Sahel specialist indicated the junta’s persistent fear of dissent from within its ranks, stating, “The junta fears being overthrown… Proof of this paranoia? It is said that leader Abdourahamane Tiani rarely, if ever, leaves the presidential palace.”
Seven former ministers remain in arbitrary detention despite judicial mandates for their release. Amnesty International’s Sahel researcher, Ousmane Diallo, emphasized this disregard for the judicial process by asserting, “We are witnessing the normalization of arbitrary rule and the erosion of the rule of law.”
Niger has been ruled by decree since the coup, with all powers vested in the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland. Political parties are suspended, and military leaders operate without constraint. Furthermore, the junta has recently enacted a decree to identify individuals linked to terrorism or other offenses against national interests using vague criteria, enabling them to silence criticism. Diallo pointed out, “Since the coup, there are two categories of people in Niger: patriots and stateless persons—those who hold the ‘wrong’ political opinions.”
The atmosphere of repression is palpable among civil society groups and journalists, who now fear imprisonment for dissent. As per an insider from Niger, “If you criticize the government, you can be sure you’ll be arrested.” Diallo also noted that self-censorship has become prevalent due to fear of retribution. The suspension of multiple news outlets has further restricted free information flow, diminishing the public discourse that once thrived before the upheaval.
The article delineates Niger’s disturbing shift towards authoritarian governance under the military junta, emphasizing the notable decline in civil liberties and human rights. The ruling junta has employed arbitrary detentions, suppression of free expression, and an absence of lawful governance to maintain control. Prominent figures such as sidelined President Bazoum exemplify this repression, while civil society faces immense threats to their freedoms. These developments underscore the precarious state of governance and civil liberties in Niger.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
