In an order dated July 23, Colonel Boubacar Soumana Garanké, the city’s delegated administrator, prohibited the demonstration organized by the Mouvement Indépendant pour un Niger Nouveau dans la Justice et l’Égalité (MINNJE).
The ban cites “security reasons” in accordance with Nigerien law governing public demonstrations.
The group had informed city officials on July 21 of its intention to hold a peaceful march from Toumo Square to Place de la Concertation in central Niamey, where a public meeting was to follow.
According to its statement, MINNJE planned to demand “judicial independence,” prosecution of “economic offenders,” the strengthening of the country’s Defense and Security Forces (FDS), and the “immediate and unconditional” release of former president Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown on July 26, 2023, and remains in detention.
This ban comes just days ahead of the second anniversary of General Abdourahamane Tiani’s takeover. Since the military assumed power, demonstrations calling for Bazoum’s release have consistently been prohibited by the authorities.
Despite the government’s continued crackdown on dissent, civic groups like MINNJE say they remain committed to peaceful advocacy for rule of law and national reform.
