In a move reflecting the tightening grip on dissent in Niger, activist Nassirou Bodo has been remanded in custody at the Niamey prison. This follows his arrest after he voiced strong opposition to the ruling military junta through social media platforms.
The arrest of Nassirou Bodo came shortly after he shared posts on Facebook that were highly critical of the regime. He was presented before the public prosecutor before being transferred to the Niamey detention facility. Civil society members, including Kaka Touda, confirmed his incarceration, which followed a period of police custody.
Charges of disturbing public order
Legal proceedings against Bodo are reportedly based on allegations of “distributing data likely to disturb public order.” The activist had recently called on the people of Niger to participate in a year-long campaign of protest and disapproval against what he termed the “social violence” inflicted by the state upon its citizens.
In his appeals, Nassirou Bodo highlighted several grievances, including:
- Persistent insecurity across multiple regions of the country.
- The forced eviction of residents living near the Niamey airport, which the government claims is a necessary measure to mitigate terrorist threats following an attack in January.
Growing pressure on civil society and media
The detention of Bodo is part of a broader trend of escalating restrictions on freedom of expression since the military took power in July 2023. African news today continues to track the arrests of various journalists and civil society figures who have been accused of various offenses, ranging from defamation to undermining state security.
Data from the UN indicates that 13 journalists were detained in Niger during 2025. While some were released in early May, at least five remain in custody. Furthermore, prominent civil society leader Moussa Tchangari has been held since late 2024 on charges including the apology of terrorism and endangering state security.
