Niger detains another activist opposing military rule

Activist Nassirou Bodo jailed after criticizing Niger’s transitional authorities

Nassirou Bodo has been remanded in custody at Niamey’s central prison following his appearance before prosecutors on Wednesday evening, local sources confirmed.

Civil society leader Kaka Touda took to social media to verify the detention of Mr. Bodo, though the exact charges remain unclear. His arrest follows a period of police custody initiated in response to his recent public statements.

Reports indicate that the activist faces prosecution for “disseminating information likely to disrupt public order.”

In a widely circulated Facebook post earlier this week, Bodo urged Nigeriens to launch “protests and demonstrations against state-imposed violence on citizens” for a period of “one year, renewable starting June 1.”

Among the grievances he cited were “rising insecurity in multiple regions” and the ongoing “unjust forced evictions”—particularly affecting residents near Niamey’s airport zone, which was targeted in an ISIS-Sahel attack on January 29.

Government officials claim the demolitions of “illegally constructed dwellings” are necessary to “mitigate terrorist threats” against the capital.

Widening crackdown on dissent under military rule

Niger has faced persistent jihadist threats linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS-affiliated groups, exacerbating security challenges across the region.

Since the military takeover in July 2023, authorities have intensified measures against critics, including journalists and civil society figures. Several have been detained, prosecuted, or sentenced under charges such as defamation, national security violations, and conspiracy against state authority.

United Nations records show that 13 journalists were arrested in Niger during 2025. Three—including a correspondent for Deutsche Welle—were released in early May after months behind bars, while five remain imprisoned, according to local press freedom monitors.

Civil rights advocate Moussa Tchangari, a vocal opponent of the junta, has been held since December 2024 on accusations of “terrorist propaganda and undermining state security.”