Niger: judicial independence under threat after dissolution of justice unions

The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a collaborative effort between the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), has issued a stern condemnation regarding the dissolution of five major justice sector unions in Niger. These dissolutions, enacted via decrees from the Minister of the Interior, Public Security, and Territorial Administration on August 7, 2025, were followed by the summary dismissal of two high-ranking magistrates from the Autonomous Union of Magistrates of Niger (Saman) who had voiced opposition to the government’s actions. The Observatory is calling on the authorities in Niger to immediately rescind these orders and uphold fundamental rights, including the freedom of association and trade union rights, as required by both national laws and international treaties.

Unexplained dissolution of judicial organizations

On August 7, 2025, General Mohamed Toumba, serving as Niger’s Minister of the Interior, issued five separate decrees effectively dissolving Saman, the Union of Magistrates of Niger (Uman), the National Union of Justice Agents (Snaj), the Union of Executives and Technical Agents of the Ministry of Justice (Syncat), and the Independent Union of Magistrates of Niger (Siman). Notably, these ministerial orders were issued without providing any formal justification or legal motivation.

Following these actions, Minister of Justice Alio Daouda claimed during a press briefing on August 8, 2025, that the government acted to stop “repeated deviations” that supposedly hindered public services. He asserted that the unions had abandoned their primary mandates to pursue “personal interests.” In response to these measures, Saman and the Niger Bar Association organized a symbolic strike on August 14 and 15, 2025, to protest the crackdown.

Legal inconsistencies and violations of labor law

Critics argue that the government’s legal justification for these dissolutions is fundamentally flawed. The administration reportedly relied on Ordinance No. 84-06 of March 1, 1984, which governs non-profit associations. However, legal experts and the Union of Workers’ Trade Unions of Niger (USTN) point out that this ordinance does not apply to trade unions. Instead, unions in Niger are governed by a distinct legal framework, specifically the Labor Code of the Republic of Niger (Law No. 2012-45) and various International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions ratified by the country. Because the decrees lack a valid legal foundation, they are considered null and void by human rights advocates.

Retaliation against union leadership

The executive branch further intensified its pressure on the judiciary by targeting union leaders. On August 14, 2025, President Abdourahamane Tiani signed a decree to dismiss Abdoul-Nasser Bagna Abdourahamane, the Secretary General of Saman, from the magistracy. This move was a direct retaliation for his public criticism of the union dissolutions and his request for a right of reply following the Justice Minister’s statements. Just one day later, on August 15, 2025, a second decree was issued to remove Moussa Mahamadou, the Deputy Secretary General of Saman, after he signed a union statement condemning his colleague’s dismissal and calling for a general strike.

These actions represent a significant blow to the separation of powers and judicial independence in Niger. By using administrative decisions to dismantle unions, the government is infringing upon the freedom of association protected by Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 36 of Niger’s own 2025 Charter of Refoundation. The Niger Bar Association has expressed deep concern, stating that these moves compromise not only union freedom but also the right to a defense and freedom of expression.

A broader pattern of repression in Niger

The Observatory highlights that these dissolutions and dismissals are part of a worrying trend of intimidation aimed at silencing the judiciary. This occurs within a broader context of a shrinking civic space in Niger, where dissenting voices are increasingly targeted. Human rights defenders, such as Moussa Tchangari, have faced arbitrary detention for months after criticizing government policies. Such actions violate multiple international agreements, including the African Charter on Human Rights and Peoples and ILO Conventions No. 87 and No. 98, which guarantee the right of workers to organize and defend their professional interests.

The protection of trade union rights and an independent judiciary are essential components of a democratic society. The Observatory urges the Nigerien authorities to immediately cancel the dissolution of the five justice unions and reinstate Abdoul-Nasser Bagna Abdourahamane and Moussa Mahamadou to their positions. Furthermore, the government must cease all forms of harassment and intimidation against human rights defenders and ensure full compliance with its international human rights obligations.