The military authorities in Niger have cracked down on the opposition, media, and peaceful dissent since taking power in a coup one year ago, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) said on Thursday.
The rights watchdog claimed that the military regime continues to arbitrarily detain former President Mohamed Bazoum, and at least 30 officials from the ousted government and people close to the deposed him.
Several journalists are also being held.
”They have rejected oversight of military spending, contrary to claims to combat corruption. The Nigerien authorities should immediately release all those held on politically motivated charges; guarantee respect for fundamental freedoms, particularly the rights to freedom of expression, opinion, and association; and publicly commit to transparency and accountability in military spending” the rights watchdog suggested.
“One year since the military coup, instead of a path toward respecting human rights and the rule of law, the military authorities are tightening their grip on opposition, civil society, and independent media,” said Samira Daoud, Amnesty International’s regional director for West and Central Africa said.
“Niger’s military authorities should release Bazoum as well as all those detained on politically motivated charges and ensure their due process rights” she added.
On July 26, 2023, Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani and other Nigerien army officers of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie, CNSP) overthrew Mohamed Bazoum, elected as president in 2021.
The former president, members of immediate family, and several members of his cabinet are still detained.
In response to the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on July 30, 2023, imposed sanctions, including an economic blockade, travel bans, and asset freezes, on the coup leaders and on the country more generally. On August 22, 2023, the African Union suspended Niger from its organs, institutions, and actions.
On January 28, 2024, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali announced they would leave ECOWAS.
On February 24 the bloc lifted its sanctions on Niger.
WN/as/APA