Human rights crisis escalates in Niger after 2023 coup

The human rights landscape in Niger has deteriorated sharply since the military coup in July 2023. In 2025, the ruling junta intensified its crackdown on political opponents, dissidents, union leaders, and journalists. Arbitrary detentions have become a hallmark of the regime, with former President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife held incommunicado at the presidential palace in Niamey, alongside former government officials, journalists, and human rights activists.

The country remains under siege from multiple Islamist armed groups, including the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS), the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM/JNIM) linked to Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA). These groups continue to wage relentless attacks in the western regions of Tillabéri and along the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, exposing civilians to horrific violence and displacement.

In August, the junta launched ‘Garkuwar Kassa’ (Shields of the Homeland) in Hausa, a civilian recruitment and training program designed to bolster the armed forces. While framed as a security initiative, concerns have surfaced about the risks of unaccountable militias operating outside legal frameworks, potentially escalating abuses against civilians.

In March 2025, General Abdourahamane Tiani was sworn in as transitional president without holding elections, extending his grip on power and delaying a democratic transition. His administration further consolidated control by abolishing multi-party politics nationwide through a sweeping decree.

Niger’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January 2025—alongside Mali and Burkina Faso—severely limited avenues for citizens to seek justice through regional courts. By September, the three countries announced plans to exit the International Criminal Court (ICC), jeopardizing accountability for victims of atrocities.

Islamist militant violence targets civilians in Niger’s Tillabéri region

Over a decade of Islamist insurgency, originating in northern Mali in 2012 and spreading to Niger and Burkina Faso by 2015, has left a trail of devastation across the Sahel. In 2025, the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS) escalated its campaign of terror in Niger’s Tillabéri region, bordering Mali and Burkina Faso.

On March 21, EIS fighters stormed a mosque in Fambita during afternoon prayers, executing at least 46 worshippers—including three children—before looting livestock and burning over 20 homes and several market stalls. Survivors reported that the military had failed to heed warnings or provide adequate protection despite repeated pleas from villagers.

On May 13, militants attacked Dani Fari, a remote settlement in Tillabéri, killing five men and two boys, torching at least 12 homes, and plundering dozens more. Just weeks later, on June 21, another mosque in Manda was targeted during morning prayers, resulting in the deaths of more than 70 worshippers, including five children. Homes were burned, and property was seized.

Between June 20 and 23, EIS fighters executed the 67-year-old village chief of Abarkaize, abducted five men, and later discovered their mutilated remains with slit throats near the settlement. In Ezzak, six civilians were killed and homes were systematically looted. Before each attack, villagers were threatened with accusations of collaborating with government forces or failing to comply with demands—such as paying the zakat (Islamic tax).

Junta cracks down on dissent and political opposition

Since seizing power, the junta has detained former President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife at the presidential palace without access to family or legal counsel. In a move criticized for violating due process, Bazoum’s presidential immunity was revoked in 2024. In February 2025, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention ruled that Bazoum’s detention was unlawful and demanded his immediate release.

The junta has arbitrarily arrested dozens of former officials, including ministers, presidential advisors, and allies of Bazoum, denying them fair trials. While some detainees—such as former officials and a journalist—were released in April 2025, many remain imprisoned on politically motivated charges. Prominent human rights defender Moussa Tiangari has been detained since December 2024, facing accusations of ‘conspiracy against the state in league with foreign powers’—a charge that carries the death penalty. Despite legal challenges and international appeals, Tiangari remains in pretrial detention without a court appearance.

Press freedom and civil society under siege

Since the 2023 coup, press freedom in Niger has been severely curtailed. Journalists face harassment, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation, prompting many to self-censor out of fear for their safety. In January 2025, the government suspended the private television channel Canal 3 TV for 30 days after it aired a critical program questioning the performance of cabinet ministers. The channel’s editor-in-chief was also stripped of his press credentials, though the suspension was later lifted.

In February 2025, authorities ordered the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to leave Niger without explanation, disrupting critical humanitarian operations in conflict-affected areas.

On May 8, security forces arrested three journalists from Sahara FM in Agadez, accusing them of reporting on alleged shifts in Niger’s security cooperation with Russia and Turkey. Despite a judge ordering their release the following day, they were re-arrested and remain in detention.

In August, the Interior Minister dissolved four judicial unions, claiming they had ‘deviated from their mandate’ and prioritized ‘personal interests’. The move drew condemnation from the Niger Trade Union Federation, which called it a grievous violation of workers’ rights. The Niger Bar Association condemned the dissolution and organized a two-day nationwide strike in protest, demanding the unions’ immediate reinstatement.