Niger's military junta says that recent reports published by global human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International seek to discredit the country. Niger's armed forces claim that such reports by are one-sided and that they do not reflect efforts to reconcile security and fundamental rights.

Numerous NGOs continue to regularly denounce human rights violations in Niger, particularly in the area of political repression and the handling of terrorist threats in the Sahel region. But how much truth is there to that criticism?

Some media recently reported that the work of HRW and Amnesty had been banned in Niger on account of displeasing the military rulers of the country, who claim their biggest focus is to protect human rights through their ongoing fight against terrorist groups.

However, both non-governmental organizations (NGOs) confirmed with DW that no official ban had yet been imposed on them.

It is important to highlight that HRW and Amnesty do not have their own offices in Niger but work together with local informants instead. They also stated that they plan to continue to do so in future.

However, since the coup d'etat in Niger in July 2023, when General Abdourahamane Tiani seized power, the military government has already suspended around 200 local and international organizations for allegedly violating rules.

The Nigerien branch of the NGO Transparency International, which fights corruption worldwide, says it is not surprised by these restrictive attitudes.

"Those in power do not want to be informed about what is going on in their countries. They prefer to........

© Deutsche Welle