In Niger, one year after the coup, “human rights” are “in free fall”, warn NGOs

A worrying situation. “Human rights” are “free fall” in Niger, on the eve of the anniversary of the coming to power of a military regime on July 26, 2023, Human Rights Watch (HRW), Amnesty International and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) warned on Thursday, July 25. “Niger’s military authorities have cracked down on the opposition, the media and peaceful dissent since seizing power in a coup a year ago.”describe the three NGOs in a joint press release.

They call for “immediately release all persons detained on political grounds, ensure respect for fundamental freedoms, including the rights to freedom of expression, opinion and association”. The regime should also “Free Mohamed Bazoum”the elected president who was overthrown in the coup and has since been detained with his wife Hadiza, said Amnesty International’s regional director for West and Central Africa, Samira Daoud, in the statement.

According to these organizations, the military regime has “arbitrarily arrested at least 30 officials of the ousted government, including former ministers, members of the presidential cabinet and people close to the former president, without due process or respect for fair trial rights”. Furthermore, “Media freedom has been severely restricted in the country. Authorities have threatened, harassed and arbitrarily arrested journalists, many of whom report self-censorship for fear of reprisals.”point out the organizations.

In June, the regime reinstated prison sentences relating to an old law on the digital dissemination of data “disturbing public order”a measure that can “be used to silence any voice deemed dissenting”judges the Secretary General of the FIDH, Drissa Traoré. On Friday, the regime led by General Abdourahamane Tiani will celebrate its first year in office during festivities that are expected to last several days.