The Intersyndicale des Travailleurs du Niger (ITN) has strongly condemned the recent government decision to dissolve key justice sector unions, describing the move as both “illegal” and “arbitrary.”
In a statement released on Saturday, August 9, the coalition—including the General Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Niger (CGSL-Niger), Nigerien Confederation of Labor (CNT), Progressive Trade Union of Workers (USPT), and Union of Workers’ Unions of Niger (USTN)—demanded the “pure and simple” annulment of these dissolutions.
The ITN expressed deep shock at the abrupt disbanding of the Autonomous Union of Magistrates of Niger (SAMAN), National Union of Justice Agents (SNAJ), Union of Managers and Agents of the Ministry of Justice (SYNCAT), and Union of Magistrates of Niger (UMAN).
“This measure constitutes a serious attack on fundamental freedoms and marks a clear regression in social dialogue,” the statement said.
Emphasizing Niger’s international commitments, the ITN reminded that the country is a member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Office and has ratified ILO conventions guaranteeing freedom of association and collective bargaining rights.
These protections are enshrined in Niger’s Charter of Refoundation, Labour Code, and interprofessional collective agreements.
The coalition underscored that trade unions operate under a distinct legal framework, separate from the 1984 ordinance on associations cited by the Ministry of the Interior.
ITN warned that the dissolution decisions risk undermining partnership relations and called urgently for their cancellation.
Justice Minister Alio Daouda defended the government’s stance, citing the need to safeguard “the general interest.”
He accused the unions of “permanent conflicts,” making “unrealistic demands,” and disrupting the functioning of public services.
The USTN had previously denounced the dissolutions independently and has called for nationwide mobilization against what it describes as an emerging “authoritarian drift” threatening workers’ rights.
The controversy shines a spotlight on ongoing tensions between Niger’s government and its labor unions, raising concerns over respect for democratic freedoms and social dialogue in the country’s justice sector.
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