Niger Republic jails leading activist critical of Junta
A prominent Nigerien civil society leader, Moussa Tchangari, has been sentenced to prison, a month after his controversial arrest upon returning from an overseas trip. His detention and subsequent imprisonment have drawn widespread condemnation from rights groups.
Tchangari, known for his strong opposition to the military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, was arrested on December 3, 2024, at his Niamey home by unidentified men in civilian clothes. His arrest followed public criticism of the July 2023 coup, which he described as a “setback” for Niger.
He now faces charges of “glorifying terrorism, undermining national security,” and involvement in a “criminal conspiracy in connection with terrorism.” His organisation, Alternative Citizen Spaces (AEC), confirmed that his phone and laptop were confiscated during the arrest.
Tchangari has been incarcerated at Filingue Prison, 200 kilometres northeast of Niamey, notorious for detaining political dissidents. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders have called for his release, citing an ongoing crackdown on dissenting voices since the coup.
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The 55-year-old has long been an advocate for civil rights in Niger and previously faced arrest in 2015 for highlighting humanitarian issues in southeastern Niger amidst a jihadist insurgency. His support for ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and criticism of the junta have made him a target in the current political climate.
The arrest has heightened concerns about Niger’s deteriorating human rights record under the military regime. Rights groups have linked the incident to a broader suppression of political opposition and media freedom since the coup.
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