Niger
In early 2026, Niger is facing a multifaceted human rights crisis. Since the July 2023 military coup, the country has shifted from a fragile democracy to a military-led state under the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
The situation is characterized by a "triple threat": the erosion of democratic institutions, a brutal crackdown on domestic dissent, and an escalating conflict with Islamist insurgent groups.
1. Political Repression & The Rule of Law
Since the 2023 coup, the military junta has effectively dismantled the country's democratic framework.
Arbitrary Detentions: Ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife remain under arbitrary house arrest in Niamey despite a 2023 ruling from the ECOWAS Court of Justice demanding their release. Numerous former cabinet members also remain in detention without fair trials.
Suspension of Democracy: The 2010 Constitution remains suspended, and in 2024 and 2025, the CNSP abolished local and regional councils, removing the last remnants of elected governance. There is currently no official timetable for a return to civilian rule.
Withdrawal from Justice Systems: In late 2025, Niger—alongside Mali and Burkina Faso—announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), significantly reducing the avenues for victims of war crimes to seek international justice.
2. Civilian Casualties & Laws of War
The security situation in the tri-border region (Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso) has deteriorated, with civilians caught between insurgent violence and military counter-operations.
Insurgent Abuses: Groups like IS-Sahel and JNIM (Al-Qaeda linked) have escalated attacks. In mid-2025, hundreds of villagers were summarily executed in the Tillabéri region, often targeted for refusing to pay "zakat" (Islamic tax) or for suspected collaboration with the army.
Indiscriminate Military Strikes: The Nigerien military has faced accusations of war crimes. On January 6, 2026, a military drone strike on a crowded market in western Niger killed at least 17 civilians, including 11 women and 4 children, while targeting a small number of Islamist fighters.
3. Suppression of Press & Civic Space
The CNSP has "brought to heel" the once-vibrant media landscape through intimidation and legislative changes.
Criminalization of Speech: The junta reinstated prison sentences for "defamation" and "dissemination of news likely to disturb public order," leading to widespread self-censorship among journalists.
Targeting Dissent: Activists and journalists who criticize the security strategy or the transition delay face arrest. For instance, journalist Ousmane Toudou remains in detention on charges of "treason" as of February 2026.
National Registry of "Traitors": The government established a registry for persons suspected of "terrorism-related activities," which human rights groups claim is being misused to strip critics of their citizenship and seize their assets.
4. Women’s and Children's Rights
Child Marriage: Niger maintains the highest rate of child marriage in the world, with roughly 76% of girls married before age 18. While previous governments pledged to raise the marriage age to 18, the current military administration has prioritized security over these social reforms, leaving the legal minimum age at 15.
Recruitment by Armed Groups: In conflict zones, boys face high risks of forced recruitment by insurgent groups, while women and girls are disproportionately vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and trafficking.
5. Displacement & Humanitarian Crisis
Massive Displacement: As of 2026, nearly one million people are internally displaced or seeking refuge in Niger due to regional instability.
Aid Restrictions: Following the coup, many international donors suspended development aid. While some humanitarian exceptions exist, the lack of funding has led to dire conditions in displacement camps, with acute shortages of food and medical supplies.