Niger’s military junta has intensified its authoritarian regime post-coup, with heightened repression of dissent, arbitrary detentions, and erosion of civil liberties. Amnesty International reports increasing human rights violations, including the detention of former officials and critical journalists. The junta governs by decree, concentrating power in one body while targeting dissent under vague legal pretenses, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship among citizens and civil society.
Niger’s ruling military junta has tightened its control following the coup on July 26, 2023, leading to increased authoritarianism and significant repression of dissent. The junta has targeted opponents, diminishing civil liberties and instilling fear across the populace while further isolating the nation internationally. Amnesty International’s recent report underscores a substantial rise in human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances, as the junta fails to honor its commitments to civil society.
The junta’s repressive tactics have silenced critical voices under the guise of “state security,” as articulated by Marceau Sivieude of Amnesty International. Freedoms pertaining to speech, association, and information have been severely curtailed, with arbitrary detentions becoming commonplace and judicial rulings increasingly disregarded. A regional expert noted that the junta’s history of oppression is markedly pronounced compared to similar regimes in Mali and Burkina Faso, indicating a pervasive climate of paranoia and violence since its assumption of power.
The treatment of former President Mohamed Bazoum exemplifies this authoritarian trend. He, along with his wife, has been detained since the coup, and despite the Economic Community of West African States Court of Justice declaring their detention arbitrary, the junta has yet to comply with this ruling. Charges of “high treason” have been levied against Bazoum while no charges have been made against his wife, indicating a clear disregard for judicial fairness amidst a prevailing climate of paranoia within the junta.
The junta’s governance model since the coup is characterized by rule by decree, with all powers centralized within the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland. Political parties have been outlawed, and military leaders exercise unfettered authority. Additionally, the introduction of a decree listing individuals involved with terrorism allows authorities to target dissenters indiscriminately, effectively dividing Nigerien citizens into patriots and stateless persons based on their political opinions. This decree enables asset freezes and the revocation of nationality for those deemed undesirable by the regime.
Civil society in Niger is experiencing profound shockwaves as the crackdown continues on journalists and human rights defenders. One civil society member expressed that criticizing the government now results in arrests. As reported, self-censorship has become prevalent, with many fearing repercussions for speaking out. The suspension of key media outlets has further stifled free information flow, leading to a climate where civic participation and expression are severely restricted.
The situation in Niger continues to deteriorate as the military junta consolidates its power through repressive measures and authoritarian practices. Civil liberties are increasingly jeopardized, with arbitrary detentions and systemic silencing of dissenting voices becoming commonplace. The international community must pay attention to these developments, advocating for the protection of human rights and the restoration of democratic governance in Niger.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
