In a striking report titled “Niger: Threatened and Brought to Heel: Human Rights and Civic Space under Pressure since the 26 July Coup”, Amnesty International unveils the alarming spike in human rights abuses and the shrinking of civic space following the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum. The findings demonstrate egregious violations, including arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances, affecting numerous individuals including the former president and journalists.
Since the coup, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) annulled the 2010 Constitution, while concurrently asserting their commitment to the rule of law and human rights. Yet, contrary to these proclamations, Amnesty International highlights a grave disregard for these rights, with arbitrary detentions and unobserved court rulings escalating.
Even after a ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice declaring their detention as arbitrary, former President Bazoum and his wife remain behind bars. Accusations of high treason against Bazoum arise amidst blatant violations of his right to legal representation. Meanwhile, former cabinet ministers flagged under military jurisdictions languish in detention, eliciting calls from Amnesty for adherence to international law.
Amidst these upheavals, political parties have had their activities suspended since July 2023, marking a retrenchment of democratic progress. A national registry intended for combating terrorism has been misused to stifle dissent, effectively rendering critics as targets.
The relentless suppression of free expression reveals a climate of fear, where journalists and civil society members face dire repercussions for their criticism. Prominent figures such as Ousmane Toudou and Soumana Maiga have faced severe charges for their reporting and opinions, showcasing the grave risks faced by those challenging the regime.
As self-censorship takes root among journalists and defenders, Amnesty urges Nigerien authorities to honour their existing international obligations, ensure freedoms of expression and assembly, and retract all unfounded detentions, while the future of Niger remains uncertain under prolonged military rule.
Amnesty International’s report reveals a disturbing increase in human rights violations in Niger since the military coup on 26 July. Key issues include the arbitrary detention of former President Bazoum, suppression of freedom of expression, and the suspension of political party activities. The report calls for Nigerien authorities to adhere to their commitments regarding human rights and the rule of law.
The report from Amnesty International paints a bleak picture of human rights in Niger following the military coup. It underscores numerous violations, including arbitrary detentions, suppression of the press, and the dismantling of constitutional rights. Authorities must be held accountable to their promises of upholding the rule of law and human rights, and immediate action is required to ensure justice and accountability for all victims of these abuses.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
