Arrest of Niger activist criticising military regime sparks debate

Nassirou Bodo has been remanded in custody at the Niamey prison following his appearance before the public prosecutor’s office, as confirmed by sources close to the case.

Civil society leader Kaka Touda took to social media to verify the activist’s detention but did not disclose the specific charges or details surrounding the police custody that preceded it.

A local daily outlet reported that Bodo faces allegations of ‘spreading information likely to disrupt public order’, a charge often used in cases involving dissent against authorities.

The activist had recently urged Nigeriens to organise year-long protests starting 1 June, denouncing what he described as systemic state violence against civilians. His call included references to ‘persistent insecurity in several regions’ and the ‘unjust evictions’ affecting residents near Niamey airport—a site targeted in a January attack claimed by the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS).

Government spokespeople have defended the demolitions of allegedly illegal structures near the airport as necessary to mitigate ‘terrorism-related risks’.

Niger continues to grapple with escalating violence from jihadist factions linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Since the military takeover in July 2023, civil society members and journalists have faced arrests, detentions, and in some instances, convictions on charges such as defamation, threats to national security, and conspiracy against state authority.

United Nations records indicate 13 journalists were detained in Niger in 2025. Three, including a correspondent for Deutsche Welle, were released in early May after months behind bars, while five remain in custody according to local press freedom monitors.

Among those still imprisoned is Moussa Tchangari, a prominent civil society figure and vocal critic of the junta, held since December 2024 on accusations including ‘incitement to terrorism and undermining state security’.