Niger: halt arbitrary detention of human rights defender moussa tiangari

Niger’s authorities must act swiftly to release Moussa Tiangari

Several leading human rights organizations have united in calling for the immediate release of Moussa Tiangari, a prominent civil society activist in Niger. The collective demand underscores the urgent need to halt the misuse of terrorism charges against dissenting voices.

Unjust detention under terrorism allegations

On December 3, 2024, plainclothes officers forcibly entered Mr. Tiangari’s home in Niamey and arrested him without legal justification. The Niamey Court of First Instance formally charged him on January 3, 2025, with grave accusations including:

• criminal association linked to a terrorist enterprise,
• undermining national defense, and
• conspiracy against state authority in collaboration with foreign powers — a charge punishable by death under Nigerien law.

Since his transfer to the Filingué Prison, 170 km from Niamey, Tiangari has remained in prolonged pretrial detention. Despite the seriousness of the charges, no judge has reviewed the evidence or justified his continued detention.

Silencing critics through legal intimidation

Leading human rights groups have condemned the arrest as part of a broader pattern of judicial harassment targeting peaceful critics. Tiangari had publicly opposed two controversial government actions in the weeks prior to his arrest:

• The revocation of licenses for two humanitarian NGOs, and
• The creation of a national terrorism registry that threatens civil liberties.

These actions, combined with the legal framework that allows up to four years of non-renewable pretrial detention, reflect a systematic effort to suppress dissent under the guise of counterterrorism.

Global call for justice and accountability

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), and the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) have jointly condemned the detention as arbitrary and politically motivated. Their statement emphasized:

«Moussa Tiangari is being held solely for exercising his human rights. We urge the authorities to release him immediately and drop all charges. The use of terrorism accusations to silence critics is deeply alarming.»

Drissa Traoré, Secretary-General of FIDH, added:

«This arrest is part of a systematic campaign to silence those who challenge the government’s shift toward authoritarianism.»

Ilaria Allegrozzi, Senior Sahel Researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated:

«Arresting Moussa Tiangari is both unjust and counterproductive. For decades, he has been a voice for democracy, sovereignty, and accountability in Niger. A government that respects its people would free him.»

Isidore Ngueuleu, Regional Office Director for Africa at OMCT, concluded:

«His detention sends a chilling message to all who dare challenge the regime’s authoritarian drift.»

Background and ongoing legal battle

Moussa Tiangari, 55, serves as Secretary-General of Alternatives Espaces Citoyens (AEC), a civil society organization. During his arrest, authorities confiscated his phone, laptop, and luggage. His whereabouts were unknown for 48 hours before he was located at the Central Service for Combating Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime in Niamey.

In March and May 2025, courts rejected defense motions to dismiss the case and disqualify the specialized terrorism chamber. Appeals are currently pending.

Human rights organizations continue to demand his unconditional release and have mobilized global support for his cause.

This case reflects a broader trend of repression since the July 2023 coup, during which military authorities have intensified restrictions on opposition, media, and peaceful dissent — actions widely condemned in international reports.

International bodies and civil society remain vigilant, calling on Niger’s authorities to uphold human rights and restore the rule of law.

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