In a damning new report from Amnesty International, Niger’s military-led authorities are accused of failing to honour their pledge to protect human rights since the coup in July 2023. The document, “Niger: Threatened and Brought to Heel: Human Rights and Civic Space Under Pressure Since the 26 July Coup,” details a stark decline in civic freedom and rampant violations of civil rights including arbitrary detentions and press suppression.
The report outlines severe human rights abuses, naming victims like former President Mohamed Bazoum and his cabinet members, many of whom have been unfairly imprisoned. Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Interim Regional Director, expressed profound disappointment, stating, “They made a commitment to respect the rule of law and human rights. Our report shows that they have clearly failed.”
Following the coup, former President Bazoum and his wife have remained detained, defying an ECOWAS Court of Justice ruling demanding their release. Meanwhile, military courts have charged seven former ministers without due process, with a backdrop of rising political oppression, including a ban on political party activities and reinstatement of defamation laws.
Attacks on freedom of expression and press independence are escalating. Following the coup, many media outlets faced suspension, and journalists encounter regular arrests. Notable cases include Ousmane Toudou, who was detained under treason allegations, and Soumana Maiga, facing charges for publishing sensitive information. This climate of fear has led to self-censorship among civil society and journalists alike.
Amnesty International urges the Nigerien authorities to uphold international rights treaties safeguarding freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, calling for the immediate release of arbitrary detainees. With a potential five-year transition period looming, the need for accountability and respect for human rights has never been more urgent. Despite sharing initial findings with Niger’s authorities, Amnesty International received no responses by the report’s finalization.
Amnesty International’s report on Niger reveals substantial human rights abuses following the July 2023 military coup. Noteworthy violations include arbitrary detentions of political figures and suppression of the press, undermining the authorities’ commitment to uphold civil liberties. Calls for accountability and adherence to international human rights standards are emphasized, as the nation faces an ongoing climate of repression.
In conclusion, the Amnesty International report sheds light on the deteriorating human rights situation in Niger following the 2023 military coup. Violations such as arbitrary arrests, suppression of press freedom, and detentions of political opponents highlight the regime’s failure to uphold its commitments. Establishing a climate of fear, the authorities are urged to comply with international law and restore civil liberties. Amnesty’s calls for action emphasise the need for immediate changes to prevent further erosion of human rights in the country.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
