Human Rights Watch (HRW) today released a report detailing how Niger’s military junta, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, has entrenched authoritarian rule since seizing power on July 26, 2023. The report documents the dissolution of all political parties, suspension of independent unions, and detention of journalists under a broad cybercrime law. The junta has also criminalized consensual same-sex relations, stripped political opponents of their nationality, and withdrawn from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Former President Mohamed Bazoum remains arbitrarily detained, along with human rights defender Moussa Tiangari. HRW’s senior Sahel researcher, Ilaria Allegrozzi, stated, ‘Three years after the coup, Niger’s junta has broadened its assault on human rights.’ The report calls on international partners to condition security cooperation on human rights benchmarks.
Article and image source: nigeriasun.com
