Arbitrary detention of human rights defender Moussa Tiangari in Niger
Urgent call for the release of activist Moussa Tiangari in Niger
Human rights organizations are sounding the alarm over the arbitrary detention of Moussa Tiangari, a prominent civil society activist and defender of fundamental freedoms in Niger. The authorities in Niamey have held him for over six months without justification, raising serious concerns about due process and the misuse of anti-terrorism laws to silence dissent.
Unjust charges and detention without trial
On December 3, 2024, a group of armed men claiming to be police officers forcibly entered Moussa Tiangari’s home in Niamey, seizing his personal devices and detaining him without a warrant. The activist was then transferred to the Central Service for Combating Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime, where he has been held ever since.
On January 3, 2025, a court in Niamey indicted him on grave charges including “criminal association linked to a terrorist enterprise,” “undermining national defense,” and “conspiracy against state authority in collusion with foreign powers.” Conviction on the latter charge could result in the death penalty. Despite these serious allegations, Tiangari has not been granted a hearing to review the evidence against him, violating his basic rights under Nigerien law.
The legal framework allows for up to four years of pre-trial detention for terrorism-related offenses, but activists argue that the charges against Tiangari are politically motivated and unrelated to legitimate criminal activity. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) have all condemned his detention as arbitrary and without legal merit.
Silencing dissent under anti-terrorism laws
Just weeks before his arrest, Tiangari publicly criticized two key government decisions on social media: the revocation of licenses for two humanitarian NGOs and the creation of a national database of individuals and groups suspected of terrorism. These actions, he argued, infringed on the rights of Nigerien citizens and set a dangerous precedent for state repression.
His critique followed a 2023 military coup that has since been accompanied by a crackdown on opposition voices, independent media, and peaceful dissent. Reports from Amnesty International in early 2025 highlight the systematic harassment of former government officials and activists critical of the current regime.
International outcry and calls for justice
In a joint statement, human rights organizations emphasized that Tiangari’s detention exemplifies a broader campaign to stifle criticism and consolidate power. Drissa Traoré, FIDH Secretary-General, warned, “His arrest sends a chilling message to anyone who dares challenge the Nigerien regime’s slide toward autocracy.”
Ilaria Allegrozzi, Senior Sahel Researcher at Human Rights Watch, added, “The charges against Tiangari are baseless and designed to punish him for exercising his right to free speech.”
Isidore Ngueuleu, OMCT Regional Director for Africa, stated, “A government that truly represents the will of its people would release Tiangari immediately. His work embodies the Nigerien people’s aspirations for democracy, security, and resource sovereignty.”
What’s next for Moussa Tiangari?
Since his arrest, Tiangari has been held in Filingué Prison, more than 170 kilometers from Niamey. His legal team has filed multiple appeals, including requests to dismiss the case and transfer it out of the specialized anti-terrorism court, but these have been rejected. The organizations are now demanding his immediate and unconditional release, citing violations of both Nigerien and international law.
As the situation continues to escalate, the international community is urged to pressure the Nigerien authorities to end the persecution of human rights defenders and restore the rule of law in the country.
