Niger’s post-coup crackdown: eroding human rights and press freedom

Since the military coup on July 26, 2023, Niger’s ruling authorities have engaged in arbitrary detentions of numerous former government officials and suppressed critical media outlets and peaceful opposition, as reported by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. These authorities must promptly release all individuals held for politically motivated reasons and ensure adherence to due process safeguards. 

On July 26, General Abdourahmane Tiani, along with other Nigerien army officers forming the self-proclaimed National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP), overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum’s administration. Following this power seizure, President Bazoum, his wife, and son have been held at the presidential palace in Niamey, the capital, while numerous other officials faced arrest. The new authorities have employed threats, harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests against journalists, young people, perceived political opponents, and anyone expressing dissenting views.

The arbitrary arrests and infringements on freedom of expression perpetrated by the authorities are steering Niger onto a perilous path concerning human rights.

Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch.

She emphasized, “Authorities must cease arbitrary detentions, uphold human rights, and guarantee press freedom.”

In response to the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) closed borders between Niger and its member states on July 30, halted commercial and financial dealings, and threatened military intervention if the CNSP failed to reinstate President Bazoum. By August 10, ECOWAS had enacted sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, targeting the coup leaders and the nation itself. On August 22, the African Union suspended Niger from participating in its bodies and activities, though it adopted a cautious stance on potential West African military intervention, advocating for a peaceful resolution to restore constitutional order.

On October 11, Nigerien authorities ordered the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Louise Aubin, to leave the country within 72 hours. They accused UN Secretary-General António Guterres of “sabotage” following Niger’s exclusion from the UN General Assembly in September.

Post-coup, the authorities have arbitrarily detained several former government officials, including Sani Mahamadou Issoufou, ex-Minister of Petroleum; Hamadou Adamou Souley, former Minister of Interior; Kalla Moutari, ex-Minister of Defense; and Ahmad Jidoud, former Minister of Finance. In September, these individuals were moved to prisons in Filingué Say, Kollo (Tillaberi region), and Niamey, subsequently charged with undermining state security before a military tribunal. This action, despite their civilian status, directly contradicts due process guarantees. Both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch classify these detentions as arbitrary, citing political motivations.

Human Rights Watch expressed deep concern regarding the welfare of Mohamed Bazoum and his family. Both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International urged authorities to ensure their safety and uphold their human rights. On August 13, the authorities declared their intent to prosecute Bazoum for “high treason” and undermining national security, yet he has not appeared before a judge. On September 18, Mohamed Bazoum filed an appeal with the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, Nigeria, alleging human rights violations against himself and his family during his detention.  He also sought his immediate reinstatement as President of Niger.   On October 3, Salem Mohamed Bazoum, the ousted president’s son, challenged the legality of his detention before the Niamey High Court. The court ordered his release on October 6; however, the CNSP has not yet implemented this ruling. In an October 20 press statement, Bazoum’s lawyers asserted that he, his wife, and son were being held incommunicado, refuting military leaders’ claims of an escape attempt.

Media professionals and journalists informed Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International that since the coup, they have faced escalating pressure in their work, coupled with intimidation, including threats of violence and surveillance from government agents and other actors.

Following the coup, both local and international journalists experienced threats, online verbal harassment, and physical assaults. On August 3, the CNSP indefinitely suspended international news channels Radio France Internationale and France 24.

“Self-censorship has become a survival tactic for many of us, especially those who have distanced themselves from the views and actions of the new authorities,” a Nigerien journalist confided to Human Rights Watch. “Journalists prefer to avoid discussing sensitive issues such as human rights.”

On September 30, individuals identifying themselves as security forces apprehended blogger and journalist Samira Sabou at her mother’s Niamey residence. Her husband recounted to Amnesty International, “Men in civilian clothes, claiming to be security personnel, arrived to arrest Samira. They placed a hood over her head and took her away.” Samira Sabou’s whereabouts remained unknown for seven days. While Niamey’s judicial police initially denied her arrest, she was transferred to the Niamey police criminal brigade on October 7, where her lawyer and husband visited her. On October 11, she was charged with “producing and disseminating data likely to disturb public order” and subsequently released pending trial.

Samira Sabou has faced previous arrests due to her journalistic endeavors. In 2022, she received a one-month suspended sentence for reporting on drug trafficking in Niger, and in 2020, she endured an arbitrary 48-day detention on cybercrime charges.

The authorities have actively silenced dissenting voices. On August 22, Niger’s military leader, Tiani, issued a decree dismissing six academics and state officials without explanation. The day prior, these individuals, alongside other academics, had signed a petition distancing themselves from an August 1 statement by the National Union of Teachers and Researchers that supported the CNSP. Furthermore, on October 3, social media user Samira Ibrahim, known as “Precious Mimi,” received a six-month suspended prison sentence and a 300,000 CFA franc (US$480) fine for “producing data likely to disturb public order.” Her charges stemmed from a Facebook post referencing Algeria’s non-recognition of Niger’s new government.

Following the coup, CNSP supporters, sometimes organized into self-defense committees, perpetrated violent acts against members of President Bazoum’s party, the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS-Tarayya), and other individuals. These acts of violence were potentially fueled by political tensions surrounding a possible ECOWAS military intervention.

On July 27, pro-government supporters ransacked and set fire to the PNDS headquarters in Niamey. They also torched dozens of vehicles and physically assaulted several party members gathered at the building. One woman reported, “A young man struck me with a stick, while another grabbed my breasts.” Witnesses indicated that security forces failed to take adequate measures to prevent the violence.

In August, young members of self-defense groups backing the coup sexually assaulted several women during unauthorized patrols at major roundabouts in Niamey, according to police and the Nigerien Women’s Rights League. At least four victims filed complaints with the Nigerien police against their attackers, but no one has yet been charged for these offenses.

While the CNSP suspended Niger’s constitution, it pledged adherence to the rule of law, “pluralistic democracy,” and the rights and freedoms enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1981 African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Niger is a signatory, explicitly guarantees freedom of expression and prohibits arbitrary arrest or detention.

“Niger stands at a critical juncture,” stated Ousmane Diallo, a Sahel researcher at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa regional office.

Freedom of expression, dissent, and a free press are fundamental to the enjoyment of other rights and to ensuring government accountability. The transitional military authorities must act decisively to halt the escalating threats, harassment, intimidation, arrests, and violence targeting Nigerien journalists, media organizations, and opponents, and implement effective measures to respect, protect, promote, and fulfill the rights of everyone in the country.

Ousmane Diallo, Sahel researcher at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa regional office