Niger’s junta leader has signed a decree removing nationality from nine people connected to former President Bazoum. This decree, based on a controversial terrorism database, threatens their rights and risks statelessness for those involved. Criticism mounts over potential human rights violations as the regime appears to be prioritizing political control over pressing security concerns.
In a dramatic twist echoing the chaos of a beleaguered nation, Niger’s junta, under the helm of Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, unleashed a decree on October 10, stripping nine individuals linked to the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum of their Nigerien nationality. This audacious maneuver is shrouded in suspicion, as the targeted nine, now scattered in exile, were prominent figures in Bazoum’s administration. Each carries a scarlet letter of accusation, labeled as potential threats to national stability amid Niger’s ongoing struggles with violence and unrest. Among those ensnared in this politically charged web are Rhissa Ag Boula, once an advisor to Bazoum; Karingama Wali Ibrahim, leader of the presidential guard; and Gen. Mahamadou Abou Tarka, tasked with brokering peace with insurgent factions. Their collective transgression? Allegations of conspiracy, sedition, and actions capable of disrupting public peace. This decree is more than a mere bureaucratic act; it serves as a stark symbol of a regime veering deeper into the shadows of authoritarianism. Previously, in September 2023, the junta had unveiled a list of 20 political adversaries it deemed dangerous, now including those who face the dire consequence of statelessness. “Niger is drifting,” lamented Abdou Pagoui, one of those affected, questioning how a political opponent could be regarded as a greater menace than an actual terrorist amid Niger’s turbulent landscape rife with challenges. Human Rights Watch has raised its voice in alarm, criticizing the junta’s sweeping measures. They contend that the database of suspected terrorists is blighted with flaws, lacking due process and transparency, thereby shrouding innocent lives in uncertainty while jeopardizing fundamental privacy rights. Notably, Niger, bound by the United Nations Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, faces the moral paradox of stripping nationality in a manner that could leave individuals trapped in limbo, shunned by their homeland and adrift in foreign lands.
Niger is a country grappling with immense challenges, including terrorism, civil unrest, and regional instability. In July 2023, the country witnessed a coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has since been unjustly detained. The junta’s recent decree signals a troubling shift towards targeting political opponents under the guise of national security, raising serious concerns about human rights practices in the nation. The notion of a terrorism database, ostensibly aimed at curbing the threat of violence, has been criticized for overreach, with the potential for unfairly penalizing dissidents while also threatening the legal rights and social protections of those affected. With a significant number of individuals facing statelessness due to this decree, the implications for those stripped of their nationality can be profound, affecting their ability to seek protection and asylum internationally.
The situation in Niger paints a bleak picture of political repression masquerading as counterterrorism efforts. The junta’s decree not only threatens the rights of individuals deemed enemies of the state, but also challenges the very foundations of justice and human dignity. As nine prominent figures navigate the perils of statelessness and exile, the message echoes loudly: the interplay between national security and civil liberties remains fraught with peril. Niger’s leadership must abandon this dangerous political game and restore dignity and rights to its citizens without delay.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
