After a year of political instability and worldwide attention, Niger is still reeling from the coup that deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. The former president’s potential exposure to the death penalty is causing widespread alarm, and the situation of human rights in Niger is garnering widespread international censure.
The Danger of the Death Penalty
Mohamed Bazoum’s immunity was recently revoked by Niger’s highest court, opening the door to the possibility of a trial on accusations of treason, which carries the death penalty. For the last twelve months, the 64-year-old ex-president and his wife Hadiza have been held in detention without any means of contact or visitation, with the exception of medical professionals. A special court that lacks independence and impartiality might judge Bazoum, according to Moussa Coulibaly, who is Bazoum’s lawyer, who has voiced serious reservations about the trial’s fairness.
Global Responses and Internal Resistance
General Abdourahamane Tiani, commander of Niger’s junta, is refusing to budge despite France’s demands that he and his wife be released. He recently made the bold statement in a public address that any foreign power will not influence Niger. It seems like he was addressing both his people and France, the former colonial ruler of Niger.
Harassment of Human Rights
At least thirty former government officials, associates of Bazoum, and numerous journalists have been arbitrarily detained, according to reports from Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the International Federation for Human Rights. According to Coulibaly, these activities show that the rule of law in Niger is severely deteriorating.
Alterations to Global Partnerships
Following the coup, the new military government of Niger severed relations with France and formed partnerships with Russia, thus altering the country’s foreign policy. Following their withdrawal from the West African bloc, Ecowas, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali announced a security partnership, further underscoring this geopolitical upheaval. The people of Niger are still frustrated by the constant threat of Islamist militant attacks, even though the government has pledged to make security better.
Information Control and the Suppression of the Media
The military junta’s consolidation of power has resulted in repression of nonviolent opposition and independent media. News channels are restricted, so they have to depend on local activists to get the real scoop. Military administrations in the Sahel region are restricting freedoms and the press, turning the area into a “no-news zone,” according to Reporters Without Borders.
The Pullout of American Soldiers
A major turn of events occurred when the US declared its intention to pull out the last thousand troops stationed in Niger by August. The United States’ principal base for tracking Islamist activity in the area is closing its doors sooner than expected due to this move. Prior security plans are no longer feasible due to tensions with the new Nigerian leadership.
In summary
Even one year after the coup that deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, the political climate in Niger is very unstable. The future of the country is uncertain due to internal unrest, foreign condemnations, changing alliances, and threats of the death penalty. In the hopes of a peaceful conclusion that respects human rights and brings stability to Niger, the entire world is keeping a careful eye on the country as it faces these challenging times.
