Amnesty International has fiercely criticised the military rulers in Niger for an alarming rise in human rights violations following their takeover in July 2023. A recent report draws attention to the growing suppression of civil liberties, showcasing a pattern of arbitrary detentions, censorship of the media, and blatant disregard for judicial decisions.
The military junta, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, justified their coup against President Mohamed Bazoum by citing deteriorating security and governance. However, Amnesty’s findings indicate that the junta’s actions have exacerbated human rights abuses, failing to uphold their vow to maintain the rule of law. Political activities have been heavily stifled since the coup, with political parties suspended and the constitution effectively dismantled.
Among the most alarming violations noted by Amnesty is the ongoing detention of former President Bazoum, his wife, and various former ministers, despite an order for their release from the ECOWAS Court of Justice. Journalists and civil society activists are facing heightened oppression, with multiple media outlets shut down and several journalists arrested for opposing the regime.
Furthermore, the report reveals the revival of defamation laws and the arbitrary enforcement of national security laws targeting critics of the government. Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty’s interim regional director, insists that the junta must uphold human rights commitments, urgently demanding the release of all individuals detained without trial and the restoration of fundamental freedoms. Although Amnesty communicated these concerns to the Nigerien government in February 2025, a response has yet to be received.
Amnesty International condemns Niger’s military rulers for escalating human rights violations since their July 2023 coup. Key issues include arbitrary detentions of former officials, media suppression, and political restrictions. Amnesty urges the junta to honour human rights commitments and release detainees without trial, having received no response to its concerns shared with the government in February 2025.
Amnesty International’s report paints a grim picture of escalating human rights violations in Niger following the military coup of July 2023. Key issues include arbitrary detentions, media suppression, and the dismantling of political freedoms. With numerous critics and former officials detained unlawfully, Amnesty’s calls for immediate action from the junta highlight a dire need for accountability and adherence to human rights commitments.
Original Source: medafricatimes.com
