Niger

National elections are absent in Niger, rendering moot any assessment of electoral competition. After toppling Bazoum’s government and establishing military rule, the junta led by Tchiani dissolved all institutions and permanently banned political parties. A new transitional charter declared General Tchiani as president of the transition and postponed constitutional rule to 2030.

Independent media, political leaders, civil society leaders, organizations, and members of the general public face overt and systematic retaliation if they openly criticize or challenge the regime. The CSNP has extended control over major media outlets and suspended most humanitarian organizations working across the country. International media have also encountered restrictions, particularly following coverage of the 2023 coup and other security developments. Members and supporters of the former government have been arrested or stripped of their citizenship, while increased state surveillance and harsher penalties have further suppressed dissent. The junta has also targeted regular citizens who criticized the government by ordering their suspension or dismissal from professional roles.

Institutions largely fail to serve as independent checks on the regime. The military authorities have consolidated control over judicial appointments and expanded their sanctioning powers. They have also retaliated against magistrates and unions that voiced opposition to the junta’s most prominent policies, while directing politically relevant cases to courts under their influence. In addition to this, the CSNP has claimed for itself both legislative and executive powers for the entire duration of the transition. Anti-corruption institutions have likewise been brought under the control of the ruling junta.