Niger’s national commission proposes a five-year transition to democracy, following a military coup that ousted President Bazoum in July 2023. The military junta’s recommendations include dissolving political parties and granting amnesty to coup participants. Amid increasing violence in the Sahel, the future of democracy in Niger appears fraught with challenges, particularly for the rights of victims and the prospects for fair elections.
In Niger, a national commission representing participants in discussions regarding the country’s transition to democracy has proposed a minimum five-year transition period, which could be extended if necessary. This follows the military junta’s ousting of the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, in July 2023. The original plan for a three-year transition, advocated by the junta, was rejected by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The commission has further recommended the dissolution of Niger’s political parties, which were notably excluded from its membership. The junta leader, Brig. Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, is also set to be promoted to a general, bolstering his power. Additionally, a general amnesty for all coup participants is proposed, potentially allowing them to engage in future elections despite the concerns surrounding victims’ rights to justice.
Niger’s political landscape is marred by increasing violence from Islamist armed groups, leading to significant civilian displacement. Over three million people have been affected, as per the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). With the junta’s continuing hold on power and the implications of the proposed amnesty, the prospects for a return to civilian governance and the establishment of credible elections appear increasingly dim.
The situation raises grave concerns about the future of democracy in Niger, especially with former President Bazoum and his wife still under arbitrary detention for politically motivated reasons. The recommendations from the commission signal a bleak outlook for an anticipated transition toward free and fair elections for the country’s beleaguered populace.
The recent recommendations by Niger’s national commission underscore a troubling trend towards further entrenchment of military power, casting a shadow over the country’s fragile democratic aspirations. With dissolution of political parties and the potential general amnesty for coup participants, the potential for restoring true democratic governance in Niger diminishes. The plight of those detained and the continuing humanitarian crisis compound these challenges, indicating a precarious future for democracy in Niger.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
