The human rights landscape in Niger has worsened dramatically since the July 2023 military takeover. In 2025, the ruling junta intensified crackdowns on political opponents, dissidents, trade unionists, and journalists. Authorities continued to hold former President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife in indefinite detention, along with ousted government officials, journalists, and human rights activists.

Niger remains under siege from multiple Islamist armed groups, including the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS), the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM or JNIM)—linked to Al-Qaeda—as well as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA). Clashes in western regions like Tillabéri and along borders with Mali and Burkina Faso have escalated, putting civilians in the crossfire.

In August, the junta launched “Garkuwar Kassa” (meaning “Shields of the Homeland” in Hausa), a civilian militia initiative to bolster military efforts against jihadist groups. However, this move sparked widespread concerns over potential human rights abuses by unregulated armed militias.

military junta consolidates power, stifles democracy

In March 2025, General Abdourahamane Tiani was sworn in as transitional president without holding elections, further entrenching military rule and delaying a return to democratic governance. Tiani also signed a decree abolishing multi-party politics across the country, effectively silencing political opposition.

January saw Niger withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), alongside Mali and Burkina Faso. This decision limited citizens’ access to justice through the ECOWAS Court of Justice. In September, the three nations announced plans to exit the International Criminal Court (ICC), raising serious concerns about accountability for atrocity crimes.

islamist attacks escalate, civilians bear the brunt

The Islamist insurgency, which began in northern Mali in 2012 and later spread to Niger and Burkina Faso in 2015, has inflicted widespread suffering on Nigerien communities for over a decade.

In 2025, the EIS intensified attacks in Tillabéri, a volatile region bordering Burkina Faso and Mali. These assaults included summary executions of hundreds of villagers and Muslim worshippers, as well as the burning and looting of homes. Survivors reported that the Nigerien military failed to respond to advance warnings, leaving communities defenseless.

Notable incidents in 2025 include:

• March 21: An attack on a mosque in Fambita killed at least 46 worshippers, including three children. Homes and a local market were set ablaze.
• May 13: In Dani Fari, five men and two boys were killed, with 12 homes destroyed and dozens more looted.
• June 21: Over 70 worshippers were killed in a mosque attack in Manda, including five children. At least 10 homes were burned.
• June 20-23: In Abarkaize, a village elder was executed, and five men were abducted and later found dead with their throats slit.
• June 23: Six civilians were killed in Ezzak, with widespread looting of homes.

Before each attack, the EIS issued threats, accusing locals of collaborating with the military or failing to pay the zakat (Islamic tax).

suppression of dissent and political freedoms

Since the 2023 coup, former President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife have been detained in the presidential palace in Niamey without access to family or legal counsel. Their detention has been deemed arbitrary by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which called for their immediate release. Bazoum’s presidential immunity was revoked in 2024 through a flawed legal process, and he now faces potential prosecution.

The junta has arbitrarily arrested dozens of former officials, including ministers, presidential advisors, and Bazoum’s allies, denying them fair trials. While some detainees were released in April 2025, many remain imprisoned for political reasons. Among them is Moussa Tiangari, a prominent human rights activist, arrested in December 2024 on charges of terrorism and treason—offenses that carry the death penalty. His detention has been repeatedly extended without trial.

press freedom and civil society under attack

Since 2023, the junta has severely restricted press freedom, subjecting journalists to threats, harassment, and arbitrary arrests. Many have resorted to self-censorship to avoid reprisals.

In January 2025, the government suspended the private TV channel Canal 3 TV for 30 days after its editor criticized ministers. The channel’s press card was also revoked, though the suspension was later lifted. In February, military authorities ordered the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to leave the country without explanation.

On May 8, security forces arrested three journalists from Sahara FM in Agadez for reporting on alleged security cooperation shifts between Niger, Russia, and Turkey. Despite a judge ordering their release the next day, they were re-arrested and remain in custody.

In August, the junta dissolved four judicial unions, undermining workers’ rights to association and judicial independence. The government claimed the unions had overstepped their mandate, while unions and the Niger Bar Association condemned the move as a grave violation of fundamental rights. Lawyers staged a two-day strike in protest.