Human rights in Niger: a comprehensive look at the 2026 situation

The landscape of human rights in Niger has faced a continuous decline since the military takeover in July 2023. Throughout 2025, the ruling military council intensified its crackdown on political rivals, activists, labor leaders, and members of the press. The authorities have persisted in the unlawful confinement of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and his spouse, alongside various former government officials, media professionals, and human rights defenders.

Niger remains embroiled in a violent struggle against several extremist factions, including the Islamic State in the Sahel (ISS), the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), Boko Haram, and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The conflict has surged in the western Tillabéri region and along the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, placing civilian populations at extreme risk.

In August, the administration introduced a civilian recruitment program known as “Garkuwar Kassa” (Shields of the Nation). This move to train civilians to support the military has raised significant concerns regarding the potential for militia-led human rights violations.

By March, military leader Abdourahamane Tiani was inaugurated as the transitional president for a five-year term without holding elections, a move that solidified his control and pushed back any return to democratic governance. Furthermore, Abdourahamane Tiani enacted a decree that effectively banned all political parties across the nation.

In early 2025, the junta withdrew Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), joining Mali and Burkina Faso in a move that strips citizens of their right to seek redress through the ECOWAS Court of Justice. By September, these three nations declared their intent to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC), further obstructing justice for victims of major atrocities.

Atrocities committed by armed extremist groups

The Islamist insurgency, which began in Mali in 2012 before spilling into Niger and Burkina Faso, has caused widespread suffering for over a decade. In 2025, the ISS escalated its violence against civilians in the Tillabéri area, executing hundreds of villagers and worshippers while looting and destroying property.

On March 21, ISS militants targeted a mosque in Fambita, killing at least 46 people, including three children, during prayers. The attackers also stole livestock and set fire to numerous homes and market stalls. A similar attack on May 13 in Dani Fari resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including two boys.

Violence continued on June 21 in Manda, where over 70 worshippers, including five children, were massacred at a mosque. In Abarkaize, militants executed a 67-year-old village leader and later abducted five men, whose bodies were discovered shortly after. Another raid in Ezzak on June 23 left six civilians dead.

Witnesses noted that these attacks were often preceded by threats regarding the payment of zakat (religious tax) or accusations of cooperating with the state. Many survivors reported that the Nigerien military failed to provide protection despite clear warnings of impending danger.

Suppression of political opposition

Since the coup, Mohamed Bazoum and his wife have been held at the presidential palace in Niamey, denied contact with legal counsel or family. Following a 2024 decision to strip his immunity, the former president faces potential trial under conditions that lack due process. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention labeled their confinement as arbitrary and called for their immediate release.

The junta has detained dozens of officials from the previous administration without fair trials. While approximately 50 detainees were released in April, others remain imprisoned for political reasons. This includes Moussa Tiangari, a prominent civil society leader.

Moussa Tiangari was taken into custody in December 2024 and later charged with terrorism-related offenses and state conspiracy. He faces a possible death sentence and remains in detention without a court appearance, as a Niamey court dismissed his legal team’s appeal in July.

Restrictions on media and association

Press freedom in Niger has been stifled since the coup. Journalists face harassment and arbitrary arrests, leading many to self-censor. In early 2025, the private station Canal 3 TV was temporarily suspended, and its editor’s credentials were revoked after critical reporting on government ministers.

Additionally, the military expelled the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in February. In May, three journalists from Sahara FM were arrested twice for reporting on security cooperation shifts and remain in custody.

Labor rights have also been targeted. In August, four judicial unions were dissolved by the Interior Ministry, a move seen as an attack on the freedom of association. While the Justice Minister claimed these groups overstepped their roles, legal organizations condemned the decision. This led to a nationwide two-day strike by lawyers in protest of the government’s actions.