Three NGOs demand the release of Moussa Tchangari, a civil society figure in Niger

A call for immediate release

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) on Monday urged Niger’s military authorities to release Moussa Tchangari. This “prominent civil society activist” and secretary general of the association Alternative Espaces Citoyens was arrested on December 3 at his home in Niamey. According to the organizations, he is being held for “peacefully exercising his fundamental rights.”

Growing repression under military rule

The arrest of Moussa Tchangari comes amid heightened repression in Niger since the July 2023 military coup led by General Abdourahamane Tiani. The three NGOs denounce a campaign targeting the political opposition, the media and any form of peaceful dissent.

Arrest and controversial charges

According to his wife’s testimony, Moussa Tchangari was arrested at his home by three armed men in plain clothes, posing as police officers, without presenting an arrest warrant. He was then transferred to the premises of the Central Service for the Fight against Terrorism and Organized Cross-Border Crime.

His lawyer, Mr. Rabiou Mamane, said that his client is accused of “apology for terrorism, endangering state security and criminal association in relation to terrorism.” He also denounced the “deplorable conditions” in which the arrest took place and said he had to “fight” to be able to meet his client.

A call to respect fundamental rights

In their joint statement, the NGOs called for the immediate dropping of the charges against Moussa Tchangari, which they consider unfounded. They also called on the military authorities to respect human rights and to stop the repression of critical voices.

Conclusion: A test for the Nigerien regime

The Moussa Tchangari case highlights the growing tensions between Niger’s military regime and civil society. It also poses a test for the authorities in terms of respect for fundamental freedoms. Calls for his release raise questions about the future political climate and the relationship between the government and human rights defenders in the country.