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News24
an hour ago
- Politics
- News24
What has changed in Niger two years after the coup?
On 26 July 2023, Niger was thrown into political turmoil. A coup d'etat was announced on state television just hours after members of the presidential guard detained democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup was led by the head of the presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, with support from elements of the nation's armed forces. When he took power two years ago, Tchiani justified the coup by citing growing insecurity, harsh economic conditions and what he described as excessive influence from Western powers, particularly the country's former colonial ruler, France. Niger has experienced multiple military takeovers in the past, but this time was different: Many citizens took to the streets to show their support for the military leaders. But in the two years that followed, some analysts say little has changed for the better. 'In some cases, the situation has worsened,' Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, executive director of the West African Centre for Counter Extremism, told DW. Turkish Red Crescent / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images With the events of 26 July, Niger joined the ranks of neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, which were already under military rule. In early 2024, Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, announced its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS. The move marked a major shift in the region, deepening the divide between the military-led governments and the bloc pushing for a return to civilian rule. Job losses in the nonprofit sector Niger's current leadership has forced many nongovernmental organisations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) - which had been assisting more than two million people affected by armed conflict - to shut down operations. For some Nigeriens, especially those who lost their jobs following the leadership change, life has become more difficult. 'Right now, I'm suffering. It's been a year since we stopped,' said Souley, 35, who lost his job as a nutrition researcher at a local NGO after the coup, in an interview with DW. Mahamane, 32, also lost his position as an assistant coordinator at an NGO based in Tillaberi. 'Right after the coup, funds weren't coming in regularly, and our activities were delayed,' he said. Finally, they decided to stop funding altogether. Mahamane 'There is a very constricted space for civil society or NGO work, so there are a lot of job losses in that space,' said Muqthar from the West African Centre for Counter Extremism. Niger already struggles with high levels of youth unemployment. In 2023, the International Labor Organisation estimated that about 23% of Nigeriens between the ages of 15 and 29 were unemployed - one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Africa. Human rights abuses continue Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have accused the junta of cracking down on freedom of the press and expression in the media and civil society. Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch, said freedom of expression has been deteriorating in the country since the military leaders took charge. 'Since the coup d'etat two years ago, authorities have shown a high level of intolerance. They have cracked down on the opposition, the media and civil society, and they are clearly rejecting any transition back to civilian democratic rule,' Allegrozzi told DW. 'They have arbitrarily detained former president Mohamed Bazoum and his wife for two years. They have also arbitrarily arrested and detained dozens of other officials from the ousted government - people close to the former president, including ministers. And they have failed to grant them due process and fair trial rights,' she said. In its 2025 State of the World's Human Rights report, Amnesty International wrote that Niger has routinely violated 'human rights to information and freedom of expression'. Although about 50 detainees were released from prison in April, the organisation pointed out that 'several others still languish behind bars on politically motivated charges.' In January 2024, the Press House (Maison de la Presse) - an umbrella group of 32 media organisations - was suspended and replaced by an ad hoc committee headed by the secretary-general of the Interior Ministry, according to Amnesty International. Is a return to civilian rule still possible? In March, the leader of Niger's military government, General Tchiani, was sworn in for a five-year term under a new charter that replaced the country's constitution. For many, it signalled that a return to civilian democratic rule is unlikely to happen anytime soon. 'In the beginning, we were talking about three years; now we are talking about five years. It's an indication that this regime is seeking to stay much longer than expected. And it is my estimation that they are probably going to stay much longer than even five years,' said Muqthar. Efforts by ECOWAS to help Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali transition back to civilian rule have so far failed.
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
EU, Macron urge Niger junta to free ex-president
Emmanuel Macron voiced support for Mohamed Bazoum, who has been held for two years after being ousted in Niger's coup. (AP pic) BRUSSELS : The EU and French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday urged Niger's ruling junta to release ousted president Mohamed Bazoum, two years to the day the army detained him. Bazoum has been held, along with his wife Hadiza, in a wing of the presidential palace, and according to his lawyers, he has not left the building in that time. The 27-member bloc said in a statement it welcomed the recent release of some political prisoners but 'regretted' the continued detention of Bazoum, 65, and others. 'The EU calls again for the release of these people who are being held for political reasons,' said the statement from Kaja Kallas, the bloc's top diplomat. Macron also called for Bazoum's release in a separate statement Saturday. 'Today, my thoughts are with Mohamed Bazoum, arbitrarily held for two years after the putsch which drove him from office as president of Niger,' Macron wrote on Facebook. 'I am also thinking of his wife Hadiza, who is held with him and his loved ones. I add my voice to all those calling for his release,' he added. Months after the coup, the junta said it intended to put Bazoum on trial, accusing him of treason and of 'plotting against the security and authority of the state'. If he was convicted of treason, he could face the death penalty, say his lawyers. In June last year, Niger's state court, set up by the regime, lifted Bazoum's presidential immunity, which could open the path to a trial. To date, however, no case has been opened against the former president, who was elected in 2021 and has not resigned. 'The EU remains available for a frank, honest, and structured dialogue with the Nigerien authorities based on mutual respect and shared interests,' the EU statement said.
DW
4 days ago
- Politics
- DW
What has changed in Niger two years after the coup? – DW – 07/25/2025
As Niger marks two years since the July 26, 2023 coup, the military junta faces a critical test. Has life improved under their rule — or has the promise of change fallen flat? On July 26, 2023, Niger was thrown into political turmoil. A coup d'état was announced on state television just hours after members of the presidential guard detained democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup was led by the head of the presidential guard, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, with support from elements of the nation's armed forces. When he took power two years ago, Tchiani justified the coup by citing growing insecurity, harsh economic conditions, and what he described as excessive influence from Western powers, particularly the country's former colonial ruler, France. Niger has experienced multiple military takeovers in the past, but this time was different: Many citizens took to the streets to show their support for the military leaders. But in the two years that followed, some analysts say little has changed for the better. "In some cases, the situation has worsened," Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, executive director of the West African Center for Counter Extremism, told DW. With the events of July 26, Niger joined the ranks of neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, which were already under military rule. In early 2024, Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, announced its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS. The move marked a major shift in the region, deepening the divide between the military-led governments and the bloc pushing for a return to civilian rule. Niger's current leadership has forced many nongovernmental organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) — which had been assisting more than 2 million people affected by armed conflict — to shut down operations. For some Nigeriens, especially those who lost their jobs following the leadership change, life has become more difficult. "Right now, I'm suffering. It's been a year since we stopped," said Souley, 35, who lost his job as a nutrition researcher at a local NGO after the coup, in an interview with DW. Mahamane, 32, also lost his job as an assistant coordinator at an NGO based in Tillabéri. "Right after the coup, funds weren't coming in regularly, and our activities were delayed," he said. "Finally, they decided to stop funding altogether.' "There is a very constricted space for civil society or NGO work, so there are a lot of job losses in that space," said Muqthar from the West African Center for Counter Extremism. "That implies you'll have a situation where there is significant pressure among youth, and that can lead to unrest in that part of the country." Niger already struggles with high levels of youth unemployment. In 2023, the International Labour Organization estimated that about 23% of Nigeriens between the ages of 15 and 29 were unemployed — one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Africa. Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have accused the junta of cracking down on freedom of the press and expression in the media and civil society. Ilaria Allegrozzi, seniorSahel researcher at Human Rights Watch, said freedom of expression has been deteriorating in the country. "Since the coup d'état two years ago, authorities have shown a high level of intolerance. They have cracked down on the opposition, the media and civil society, and they are clearly rejecting any transition back to civilian democratic rule,' Allegrozzi told DW. "They have arbitrarily detained former President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife for two years. They have also arbitrarily arrested and detained dozens of other officials from the ousted government — people close to the former president, including ministers. And they have failed to grant them due process and fair trial rights,' she added. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video In its 2025 State of the World's Human Rights report, Amnesty International said Nigerhas routinely violated "human rights to information and freedom of expression.' Although about 50 detainees were released from prison in April, the organization said "several others still languish behind bars on politically motivated charges.' In January 2024, the Press House (Maison de la Presse) — an umbrella group of 32 media organizations — was suspended and replaced by an ad hoc committee headed by the secretary-general of the Ministry of the Interior, according to According to Amnesty International. In March, the leader of Niger'smilitary government, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, was sworn in for a five-year term under a new charter that replaced the country's constitution. For many, it signaled that a return to civilian democratic rule is unlikely to happen anytime soon. "In the beginning, we were talking about three years; now we are talking about five years. It's an indication that this regime is seeking to stay much longer than expected. And it is my estimation that they are probably going to stay much longer than even five years,' Muqthar told DW. Efforts by ECOWAS to help Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali transition back to civilian rule have so far failed.
Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Old alliances could bridge west Africa's security cooperation gaps
The politically neutral Conseil de l'Entente could revive urgently needed security partnerships among Sahel and coastal states. Security and economic cooperation in west Africa was dealt a blow by the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) in January. The three countries are governed by coup leaders, and in September 2023 formed an alternative security partnership – the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Pragmatic bilateral cooperation between the AES and other west African countries, such as Senegal and Togo, has taken place, and in May the AES and Ecowas agreed on the need to jointly tackle terrorism. These are positive steps but don't match the benefit of institutional security alliances in a volatile region. Many parts of west Africa are affected by cross-border terrorism, organised crime and localised conflicts between communities in border regions. The Global Terrorism Index 2025 ranks Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger among the world's top five countries most affected by terrorism, and the violence is spreading southwards. This deteriorating security landscape underscores the urgent need to revitalise regional cooperation. Two platforms besides Ecowas could help achieve that: the Accra Initiative and the Conseil de l'Entente. The Accra Initiative includes Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, and was created to tackle terrorism and transnational organised crime. It is built on three pillars: joint military operations, intelligence and information sharing, and the training of security and intelligence personnel. However, the initiative has been largely inactive in recent years. Its last joint military operation was in 2021, with no plans for future actions. Activities related to the other two pillars have largely ceased, and member-state representatives stationed at the Executive Secretariat in Accra have returned to their home countries. Several factors have contributed to its inactivity, including dynamics within the organisation. Diplomats interviewed by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) identified mistrust between AES states and their coastal neighbours stemming partly from Ecowas decisions to establish a regional force to counter coups. This was after the overthrows in Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Niger in July 2023. After Niger's coup, Ecowas threatened to intervene militarily to restore constitutional order. In September 2023, relations deteriorated after Niger accused Benin of authorising deployments to restore deposed president Mohamed Bazoum to power. Despite these challenges, cooperation remains essential. ISS research shows that violent extremist groups in the Sahel are using illicit networks that operate through coastal states. Disrupting these resource flows would significantly weaken the groups, offering mutual security benefits for both Sahelian and coastal countries. Given a weakened Ecowas and an inactive Accra Initiative, the Conseil de l'Entente is a promising alternative for renewed collaboration. Based in Abidjan and founded in 1959, the organisation includes nearly all members of the Accra Initiative – excluding Ghana. Mali has observer status. Like the Accra Initiative, the Conseil has three main organs: the Conference of Heads of State and Government, Council of Ministers and Committee of Experts. Its core objectives include promoting peace, security and stability. One of its defining principles is the sovereign equality and independence of member states. Unlike Ecowas, it does not suspend or sanction members following coups or constitutional crises. This politically neutral stance has likely contributed to Burkina Faso and Niger's continued membership, alongside the need for economic integration. Notably, its deputy executive secretary is from Niger. This commitment to neutrality is reinforced by the Conseil de l'Entente's discreet consensus-based diplomatic style. It often engages member states at the highest political levels on sensitive issues while avoiding public pressure. A diplomat told ISS that this approach fosters long-term trust and confidence, ensuring that member states see the organisation as a partner rather than an enforcer. The Conseil has experience in convening regional stakeholders to discuss shared security challenges. Since 2016, it has held annual meetings of security ministers, preceded by expert consultations involving heads of police, gendarmerie and border management agencies. These gatherings have addressed the growing threat of violent extremism in both the Sahel and coastal regions. Beyond national governmental engagement, the organisation has supported knowledge and experience sharing among local government officials, civil society actors and other stakeholders affected by violent extremism. With technical support from the ISS and funding from Switzerland, the Conseil organised regional workshops on preventing violent extremism in Abidjan (2018), Ouagadougou (2019) and Lomé (2023). Given its neutrality and sustained connections with both AES and coastal states, the Conseil is well positioned to initiate mediation that could gradually restore cooperation. Plans along these lines are already under way, alongside ministerial and expert meetings in 2025 to review the implementation of national strategies to prevent violent extremism. There are also ongoing discussions about Ghana potentially joining the organisation. This would create a membership base similar to the Accra Initiative – though with a broader mandate and a different operational approach. Ghanaian representatives, including the current Special Envoy to the AES states, have previously participated in Conseil de l'Entente activities. Burkina Faso and Niger's continued participation in the Conseil suggests a degree of confidence in its neutrality and an openness to renewed dialogue. That means the Conseil is uniquely positioned to facilitate the revival of sustainable regional security cooperation. However, a comprehensive independent assessment of both bilateral relations within the organisation and its institutional capacity to mediate ongoing tensions is essential. The findings could inform the design of targeted support to strengthen the Conseil de l'Entente's role in regional peace and security. DM Sampson Kwarkye, project manager, Littoral West African States, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Regional Office for West Africa and the Sahel.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Niger: Two Years On, Ex-President Still Arbitrarily Detained
Authorities in Niger should immediately release former President Mohamed Bazoum, who remains arbitrarily detained two years after he was ousted in a military coup, Human Rights Watch said today. On July 26, 2023, Nigerien army officers of the self-proclaimed National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (Conseil National pour la sauveguarde de la patrie, CNSP), led by Brig. Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, overthrew Bazoum's government and arrested him and his wife, Hadiza Bazoum. The couple remain in custody at the presidential palace in the capital, Niamey, with no access to family members or lawyers. Bazoum also faces an impending trial after the ruling junta lifted his presidential immunity in 2024. 'Niger's military junta demonstrates its contempt for the rule of law every day it detains former President Bazoum and his wife,' said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch. 'His politically motivated detention and prosecution discredit any junta claims to a more democratic Niger.' In August 2023, the junta announced plans to prosecute Bazoum for 'high treason' and undermining national security but never brought him before a judge for preliminary hearings. In September, Bazoum filed a petition with the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing violations of human rights against him and his family during his detention. In December, the ECOWAS court ruled that Bazoum was arbitrarily detained and called for his release. In January 2025, Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, formally withdrew from ECOWAS. In April 2024, the authorities initiated legal proceedings against Bazoum to lift his presidential immunity so he could be prosecuted for alleged crimes committed during his presidency. In June, a court ruled against him following a proceeding that failed to meet basic due process and international fair trial standards. With Bazoum's immunity removed, the junta announced its intention to prosecute him for high treason. A trial date has not been set. In February 2025, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, an independent expert body that investigates deprivation of liberty, found that the detention of Bazoum and his wife was arbitrary, in violation of international human rights law, and called for their immediate release. 'Bazoum has been cruelly and unlawfully locked away for two years: without charge or trial, unable to speak to his children, his supporters, or even his lawyers,' said Reed Brody, a member of Bazoum's legal team. 'Despite clear rulings from international courts and UN bodies demanding his release, he remains the hostage of a military junta.' The abuses against Bazoum are emblematic of a military junta that has cracked down on the political opposition, peaceful dissent, and the media, and that appears to intend to solidify its power, delaying a transition to civilian rule and credible, free, and fair elections, Human Rights Watch said. 'Each day Bazoum spends in detention moves Niger further away from a democratic path,' Allegrozzi said. 'Two years on, Niger's authorities should reconsider what type of message his continued detention sends across the region and the world.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).
