Activist faces detention in Niger after calling for protests

Nassirou Bodo, a prominent activist, was remanded in custody at Niamey’s central prison following his presentation before the public prosecutor’s office, local sources confirmed Wednesday evening.

Civil society leader Kaka Touda corroborated the detention on social media but did not disclose the specific charges against Mr. Bodo, whose arrest followed a police custody period. Meanwhile, the private newspaper L’Enquêteur reported Thursday that the activist is being prosecuted for « disseminating information likely to disrupt public order ».

In an early-week Facebook post, Nassirou Bodo urged Nigeriens to stage protests against what he described as « systemic state violence perpetrated against citizens », calling for a year-long campaign starting June 1st, with the possibility of renewal. Among the alleged forms of violence he cited were « rampant insecurity across multiple regions » and « unjust forced evictions »—particularly the ongoing displacement of residents near Niamey’s airport, targeted in a January 29 attack claimed by the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS).

Government officials have defended the demolitions of « illegally constructed homes » as a counterterrorism measure to safeguard the capital from « terrorist threats ».

Niger continues to grapple with escalating violence from jihadist factions linked to both Al-Qaïda and the Islamic State.

Since military leaders assumed power in July 2023, the country has seen a crackdown on dissent, with journalists and civil society figures detained, incarcerated, and in some cases convicted on charges ranging from defamation to national security violations and conspiracy against state authority.

United Nations records indicate that 13 journalists were arrested in Niger during 2025. After months behind bars, three—including a correspondent for Deutsche Welle—were released in early May, while five remain imprisoned, according to local press watchdogs.

Civil rights advocate Moussa Tchangari, a vocal critic of the transitional authorities, has been held since December 2024 on allegations including « incitement to terrorism and undermining state security ».