Source: Amnesty International –
The Nigerien military-led authorities have failed to uphold their commitment to respect human rights and protect civil liberties, said Amnesty International in a new report documenting the clampdown on former regime officials and critical voices since the July 2023 coup.
The report, “Niger: Threatened and Brought to Heel: Human Rights and Civic Space under pressure since the 26 July Coup”, sheds light on the deterioration of civic space and violations of civil and political rights since the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Amnesty International documented human rights violations including arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, abuses of detainees’ rights and violations of the right to a fair trial and of press freedom. The victims of arbitrary detention include former President Mohamed Bazoum, his wife, seven cabinet members of the fallen regime, journalists and human rights defenders.
The Nigerien authorities made a commitment to respect the rule of law and human rights.
Our report shows that they have clearly failed.Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa
“Upon taking power, the new authorities justified their coup on a continued worsening of the security situation and poor economic and social governance. They made a commitment to respect the rule of law and human rights. Our report shows that they have clearly failed, with a sharp escalation of human rights violations since the coup. They must now keep their commitment”, said Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa.