Nearly a year and a half after the military takeover on July 26, 2023, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, the ruling CNSP continues to consolidate its power over Niger. A recent investigation by Amnesty International, released in March, details a disturbing pattern of forced disappearances, unlawful detentions, and a systematic dismantling of political opposition. Titled “Niger. Menaced and kept in line,” the report covers the period from July 2023 to January 2025, painting a grim picture of a shrinking civic space where dissent is met with harsh retaliation.
The military junta initially justified its intervention by citing security concerns and governance issues, pledging to uphold the rule of law. However, eighteen months later, those promises appear to have been abandoned. This shift occurs within a broader regional context; Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, has formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), distancing itself from traditional partners like France, the European Union, and regional bodies such as ECOWAS. Most recently, these nations also announced their withdrawal from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF).
The erosion of the legal framework
General Abdourahamane Tiani originally vowed to respect international human rights obligations, but Amnesty International reports that the reality on the ground is the opposite. According to Marceau Sivieude, the organization’s regional director, the legislative framework in Niger has regressed significantly. The 2010 Constitution remains suspended, and the National Human Rights Commission has been sidelined, allowing the CNSP to govern through restrictive decrees.
One of the most concerning developments is the reinstatement of a 2019 cybercrime law. Since mid-2024, this legislation has been used to prosecute citizens for “disturbing public order” or “defamation”—vague terms that allow the state to target critics. Furthermore, an August 2024 ordinance expanded the definition of terrorism, enabling the government to freeze assets and even strip individuals of their Niger nationality. At least 21 people, including former ministers from the Bazoum administration, have already been targeted by these measures.
Political pluralism has effectively vanished, as all political parties remain suspended, removing any institutional checks on the military’s authority.
A crackdown on activists and independent media
The junta’s reach extends to civil society, where a climate of fear has led to widespread self-censorship. Intelligence services, specifically the DGSE, are accused of orchestrating arbitrary arrests. Moussa Tchangari, a prominent activist, was detained in December 2024 and faces charges of “apology for terrorism” and “endangering state security,” which could result in a decade of imprisonment.
The social fabric of Niger is being strained by a narrative that divides the population into “patriotes” who support the junta and “apatrides” (stateless) individuals who question it. “We are living under an exceptional regime that makes it nearly impossible for civil society to function,” noted one activist in Niamey. This polarization has fractured once-unified advocacy groups.
Journalism under fire
Media freedom has also been severely curtailed. The Press House was suspended and replaced by a government-aligned committee, while international broadcasters like RFI, France 24, and the BBC have faced bans. Local journalists are not safe either; individuals like Ousmane Toudou and Soumana Maïga have been arrested for social media posts, with some even facing military tribunals despite being civilians. Samira Sabou, a well-known blogger, was also subjected to a period of enforced disappearance before facing charges.
This environment has forced the press into a corner. Journalists now weigh every word to avoid arrest, noting that there is no longer a protective framework for their profession. As Ousmane Diallo of Amnesty International emphasizes, Niger is at a critical juncture. With recent proposals suggesting a five-year transition period that would allow military leaders to run for office, the path back to a democratic state of law seems increasingly uncertain.