Rights group says Niger's military rule has deepened crisis after three years

Human Rights Watch said Wednesday that three years of military rule in Niger have deepened the country's human rights crisis, pointing to an intensifying crackdown on political opposition figures, civil society organizations and independent media.

The rights group said authorities have repeatedly cited security threats, including from armed groups operating in the region, to justify tightening restrictions on public dissent. It documented cases of arrests, restricted movement for opposition figures, and pressure on journalists covering the government.

Niger's military took power in a July 2023 coup that ousted the elected president, and the ruling junta has not laid out a firm timeline for a return to civilian government. The findings add to growing international scrutiny of military-led governments across the Sahel, several of which have faced similar criticism over shrinking civic space.