Civil society leader Nassirou Bodo has been remanded in custody at Niamey’s central prison following a court appearance, local sources confirm. His detention comes after a period of police custody, though the specific charges remain undisclosed by authorities.
Prominent activist Kaka Touda publicly acknowledged Bodo’s incarceration on social media, but provided no further details regarding the allegations that triggered his arrest. The activist’s detention follows a Facebook post in which Bodo urged Nigeriens to organize « a year-long campaign of protest and resistance against state violence directed at civilians », beginning June 1st with the possibility of renewal.
In his call to action, Bodo highlighted what he described as systemic abuses, including « widespread insecurity plaguing several regions » and the « unjust forced evictions » affecting residents near Niamey’s airport. These evictions, justified by authorities as necessary to mitigate « terrorist threats », have displaced communities following a January 29th attack on the facility claimed by the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS).
The detainment of Bodo aligns with a broader crackdown on dissent since the military assumed power in July 2023. Journalists and civil society figures have faced arrests, imprisonment, and, in some cases, convictions on charges such as defamation, undermining national security, and plotting against state authority. Local press freedom groups report that five journalists remain in detention, despite the release of three others—including a correspondent for Deutsche Welle—earlier this month after months behind bars.
Among those still imprisoned is Moussa Tchangari, a leading civil society voice detained since December 2024 on allegations of « terrorism glorification and endangering state security ».
