Niger’s Rights in Peril: Examining the Government’s Actions

Arbitrary Arrests and Crackdown on Media and Dissent in Niger

The Current Situation

Since the military coup on July 26, 2023, Nigerien authorities have engaged in a troubling pattern of arbitrary arrests, crackdowns on critical media, and suppression of peaceful dissent. According to reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, dozens of officials from the ousted government have been detained on politically-motivated charges, and journalists, youths, and perceived political opponents have been threatened, harassed, and intimidated.

The coup was carried out by General Abdourahmane Tiani and other army officers of the self-proclaimed National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), who overthrew the government of President Mohamed Bazoum. Since then, Bazoum, his wife, and son have been detained at the presidential palace in Niamey, while other officials have been arrested.

The authorities’ actions have been widely criticized by human rights organizations. Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch, says that the arbitrary arrests and assault on freedom of expression put Niger on a dangerous path when it comes to human rights. Both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have called for the immediate release of those held on politically-motivated charges and for the authorities to ensure due process.

International Response

In response to the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) took decisive action by closing borders between Niger and its member states, suspending commercial and financial transactions with Niger, and threatening military action if President Bazoum was not released and reinstated. On August 10, ECOWAS imposed sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, on the coup leaders and on the country more generally.

The African Union also expressed its disapproval of the coup by suspending Niger from its organs, institutions, and actions. However, the African Union has been cautious regarding a possible West African military intervention, calling for a peaceful approach to “the return to constitutional order.”

Furthermore, the authorities’ expulsion of the United Nations resident coordinator and their accusations against UN Secretary-General António Guterres have raised concerns about Niger‘s relationship with the international community.

The Detention of Ousted Officials and Violations of Due Process

Several officials of the ousted government, including former petroleum minister Sani Mahamadou Issoufou, former home affairs minister Hamadou Adamou Souley, former defense minister Kalla Moutari, and former finance minister Ahmad Jidoud, have been arbitrarily arrested and transferred to various prisons. They have been charged with “threatening state security” before a military court, despite being civilians, and without proper due process.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch consider these detentions to be politically motivated and arbitrary. They have also expressed concern about the well-being of President Bazoum and his family, calling on the authorities to ensure their safety and respect their human rights.

President Bazoum himself has been targeted by the authorities, who announced plans to prosecute him for “high treason” and undermining national security. However, he has yet to be brought before a judge. In response, Bazoum has filed a petition with the ECOWAS Court of Justice, citing violations of human rights against him and his family and calling for his immediate reinstatement as Niger‘s president.

Crackdown on Media and Suppression of Dissent

It is deeply concerning that since the coup, there has been an increased intimidation and harassment of journalists, both nationally and internationally. Media organizations and journalists have faced threats of violence, surveillance, and online harassment. The authorities have also suspended international news broadcasters, such as Radio France Internationale and France 24, and have silenced dissenting voices by removing academics and state officials from office without explanation.

This crackdown on media freedom has led to self-censorship among journalists who fear reporting on sensitive issues, including human rights violations. This self-censorship is hindering the ability to hold the government accountable and to ensure transparency and accountability in Niger.

One particularly disturbing case is the arrest and detention of blogger and journalist Samira Sabou. She was arrested at her mother’s home and subjected to a seven-day disappearance before being charged with “production and dissemination of data likely to disturb public order.” Sabou had previously been targeted for her reporting in 2020 and 2022. Her case highlights the repeated violations of freedom of expression and the targeting of journalists for their critical reporting.

International Obligations and Human Rights

Niger, as a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, is obligated to uphold the right to freedom of expression and to prohibit arbitrary arrest or detention. The actions of the Nigerien authorities in violating these rights and suppressing dissent are not only deeply concerning but also go against the country’s international obligations.

The transitional military authorities in Niger must act decisively to end the growing threats, harassment, intimidation, arrests, and violence against journalists, media organizations, and critics. It is vital for the enjoyment of all other rights and for holding the government accountable. The authorities must take effective measures to respect, protect, promote, and fulfill the rights of everyone in the country.

Editorial: Niger‘s Dangerous Course

The recent military coup in Niger and the subsequent crackdown on critical media and peaceful dissent have set the country on a dangerous course when it comes to human rights. The arbitrary arrests, suppression of freedom of expression, and intimidation of journalists are clear violations of international human rights standards.

It is deeply concerning that the authorities have targeted not only government officials but also ordinary citizens expressing critical views. The use of politically-motivated charges and the lack of due process in the detentions of ousted officials are deeply troubling and undermine the principles of justice and rule of law.

Niger‘s international partners, such as ECOWAS and the African Union, have taken commendable actions to condemn the coup and impose sanctions on the coup leaders. However, more must be done to protect the rights and freedoms of the people of Niger. The international community should continue to exert pressure on the authorities to ensure the immediate release of those detained on politically-motivated charges and to restore media freedom and the right to dissent.

The authorities must also prioritize the safety and well-being of President Bazoum and his family, ensuring that they are treated according to the principles of human rights and due process.

Furthermore, Niger‘s transitional military authorities must recognize the importance of a free press and the role of journalists in holding power to account. The intimidation and harassment of journalists must come to an end, and those responsible for attacks on media personnel should be held accountable.

Niger stands at a critical juncture. The authorities have a choice to either respect human rights, uphold democracy, and allow media freedom or continue on the dangerous path they have embarked upon. It is in the best interest of the country, its people, and its international reputation for Niger to choose the path of human rights, accountability, and democracy.

Advice: Upholding Human Rights and Restoring Democracy

To the transitional military authorities of Niger, we urge immediate action to end the arbitrary arrests and detention of officials and to ensure due process for all detainees. The authorities must abide by Niger‘s international human rights obligations and respect the principles of justice and the rule of law.

In order to restore democracy and rebuild public trust, it is imperative that the authorities take concrete steps to promote and protect human rights. They must allow for an independent and free press, lifting all restrictions on media organizations and journalists. The authorities should create an environment in which journalists can work without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence.

Furthermore, the transitional military authorities should engage in a genuine dialogue with civil society organizations, political parties, and other stakeholder groups to ensure a peaceful transition back to constitutional order. It is essential to include all voices in the decision-making process to rebuild trust and foster national cohesion.

The international community, including regional organizations like ECOWAS and the African Union, should continue to closely monitor the situation in Niger and support efforts to restore democracy and human rights. The imposition of sanctions and the condemnation of the coup are important steps, but more sustained and coordinated action is needed to ensure long-term change.

In conclusion, the situation in Niger is deeply concerning, with arbitrary arrests, media crackdowns, and violations of human rights becoming alarmingly common. It is crucial that both the domestic and international actors work together to put pressure on the transitional military authorities to respect human rights, restore democracy, and allow for a peaceful transition back to constitutional order. The people of Niger deserve a future where their rights and freedoms are protected, and their voices are heard.

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