Since the July 2023 coup, Niger’s military junta has intensified authoritarian control through repression of dissent, arbitrary detentions, and violations of civil liberties. Amnesty International’s investigation reveals a culture of fear and human rights abuses, highlighting the junta’s disregard for judicial processes and freedom of speech.
Niger’s military junta has increasingly tightened its hold on power since the coup on July 26, 2023, leading to a significant erosion of civil liberties. In a recent report, Amnesty International highlights a surge in human rights violations, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances, stating that the junta has failed to honor its commitments to restore democracy and rights. Citizens live in fear as dissent is silenced amidst a growing authoritarian rule.
Amnesty International’s Marceau Sivieude commented on the junta’s practices, noting that in the name of “state security,” the military leaders have imposed authoritarian measures to quell critical voices. Key rights, such as freedom of speech, association, and access to information, have been severely compromised, leading to a routine of arbitrary detentions and ignored legal rulings.
A regional expert analyzed the junta’s paranoia and violence as a response to perceived threats, referencing the previous regime’s crackdown on press freedom. The expert emphasized that Niger’s current government exhibits a strong siege mentality, exacerbated by its tumultuous beginning compared to neighboring nations.
The situation for ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife Hadiza Mabrouk illustrates the junta’s authoritarian shift. Despite a December 2023 ruling from the Economic Community of West African States Court that deemed their detention arbitrary, the junta has yet to comply. In June 2024, Bazoum faced charges of high treason, while no formal charges were presented against his wife. Experts suggest the junta fears backlash from the former regime’s loyalists and dissent within its military ranks.
Seven former ministers who have advocated for Bazoum’s release remain unlawfully detained, disregarding court decisions. Ousmane Diallo of Amnesty International notes this reflects the junta’s blatant contempt for judicial authority, showcasing a trend towards arbitrary rule and the degradation of legal systems.
Since gaining power, the junta has operated solely through decrees, consolidating all authority within the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland. This centralization has suspended political parties, allowing military leaders to act unilaterally. Moreover, a decree categorizing individuals involved in offenses against state interests has become a vehicle for targeting dissenters.
The oppressive environment instills fear among civil society, with many journalists and human rights activists at risk of incarceration. Self-censorship has become widespread, as those critiquing the government face severe repercussions. Diallo stresses that civil society dialogue has diminished, particularly following the suspension of several media outlets, restricting the free flow of information to the public.
The situation in Niger underscores a troubling shift towards authoritarianism under the ruling junta, characterized by the suppression of civil liberties and an environment of fear. Arbitrary detentions, a lack of transparent governance, and the treatment of dissenters reflect a severe decline in human rights. As civil society grapples with these pressing challenges, the junta’s resistance to external pressure and judicial rulings raises concerns about the future state of democracy in Niger.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
