Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch jointly called on Niger’s military authorities on Thursday to release all individuals they believed had been arbitrarily detained and to ensure the freedom of the press in the country.
“Freedom of expression, dissent, and media freedom are vital for the enjoyment of other rights and holding the government accountable,” the rights groups said in a statement.
“The authorities should end arbitrary detentions, uphold human rights, and allow media freedom,” said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch highlighted that following the July coup that deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, the former leader, along with his wife and son, had been confined to the presidential residence.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch also noted that numerous ministers from the ousted government had been detained within the country.
“Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch consider their detentions as arbitrary for being politically motivated.”
The joint statement further stated that both local and international journalists in Niger have faced threats, online verbal harassment, and physical attacks.
The two non-governmental organizations cited the case of Niger journalist Samira Sabou as an illustration. She was charged last month with “production and dissemination of data likely to disturb public order” and was subsequently released on bail nearly two weeks later.
Since early August, the military authorities in Niger have suspended the operations of the French broadcasters Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24 in the country.
“Self-censorship has become a survival tactic for many of us,” a Nigerien journalist told Human Rights Watch.
The human rights organizations also documented instances of physical violence carried out by supporters of the new governing authorities on the streets of Niamey.
“Niger is at a critical juncture,” said Ousmane Diallo, Sahel researcher at Amnesty International’s regional office for West and Central Africa.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a warning that it may resort to military intervention in Niger if diplomatic endeavors to reinstate Bazoum to power prove unsuccessful.
