Human Rights Watch has condemned the Nigerien junta for its blatant disregard for democratic principles and basic human rights following the provisional revocation of exiled opposition leader Mariama Djibrine’s nationality. The organization emphasized that citizenship should never be contingent on political allegiance, warning that such measures can easily become instruments of oppression wielded by those in power. This action against Djibrine stems from a decree issued in 2024, which created a national registry of individuals suspected of terrorism.
The junta has leveled serious allegations against Djibrine, accusing her of “inciting revolt, colluding with a foreign power,” and sharing “information likely to disrupt public order.” These charges have surfaced amid an intensifying suppression of dissent that has followed the military coup in July 2023.
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Djibrine is not just an opposition figure; she serves as the president of the Alliance des Démocrates du Sahel (Sahel Democrats’ Alliance). This coalition, which includes opposition groups from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, was formed in Belgium in May 2026 with a clear aim: to advocate for a return to constitutional governance in the central Sahel.
