May 17, 2021

Niger’s new president should make rule of law his guiding light

topic:	Democracy
located:	Niger
editor:	Bob Koigi

Niger’s recently installed president, Mohamed Bazoum, is the first leader to be democratically elected since the country gained independence. Bazoum has been elected based on the promise of apprehending armed insurgent groups that have visited terror among ordinary citizens and made the Sahel country one of the most dangerous to live in. 

From massacres and torture to pillage, the insurgents with links to Islamic State and Al-Qaeda have turned the country into a bloodbath. Over 300 people have been killed since the beginning of this year, with the volatility in the country coming to the spotlight recently after a failed coup was orchestrated days before the inauguration of President Bazoum.

Security officials have also come under criticism for arbitrary arrest of civilians and summary executions of suspected insurgents. 

Local media have detailed accounts of civilians who have lost their loved ones who they say were picked by “people in military gear.”

President Bazoum has assumed office at a time when the country is facing the twin problem of insecurity and poverty. The United Nations 189-nation Human Development Index ranks it the world’s poorest. 

The determination and confidence exuded by the President to punish perpetrators of war crimes and steer the country on a development path inspires hope, even as he walks the tightrope. 

To achieve a prosperous Niger, President Bazoum must show leadership by upholding the rule of law. 

As he vows to crack down on insurgents, he must also look inwardly and bring to book security officers who have perpetrated heinous acts in the guise of counterterrorism. The constitution that the President swore to defend provides for due process for every accused. 

Niger is also bound by the international humanitarian law and The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance that prohibit torture, forceful disappearance and execution of anyone whether civilian or captured combatant. 

For justice and rule of law to prevail, the Niger government must embrace accountability and transparency. The international community and friends of Niger should remind the president that there can never be two ways about this. 

Image: European External Action Service.