By Jonathan Ambaye
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

NIAMEY, Niger–  Niger opposition leader Mahamadou Issouf risks becoming yet another alleged victim of Niger President Mamadou Tandja’s recent efforts to control those opposing his bid to change the country’s political structure.  In an attempt to secure his third term in office, President Tandja has made controversial political changes which include his current attempts to change the constitution and dissolving the country’s parliament.

Issouf the leader of the opposition party, The Niger Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS), was freed on bail while still facing corruption charges he believes to be politically motivated and a consequence of President Tandja’s “corrupt” agenda.   With legislative elections scheduled for October 20, Issouf and other opposition leaders believe Tandja will continue his assault on anyone who opposes his attempts to extend his office term by three years.  Another opposition leader who is an example of President Tandja’s political agenda is Marou Amadou.

Amadou is a Niger human rights defender and President of the United Front for the Safeguard of Democratic Gains. On August 10, 2009 he was detained by the Niger Judicial police and accused of an “offence against the security of the state.”  This charge comes a month after a television broadcast by a local news station of Amadou declaring the Niger army’s ability to go against the President’s illegal order that dissolved the parliament.  Amadou cites language in Article 13 of Niger’s Constitution that states, “no one shall be obliged to carry out an obviously illegal order.”  The same day of this broadcast Amadou was detained by the police.  Some of the charges brought against him included “provoking disobedience towards the defense and security forces,” plotting against the authority of the state” and undertaking to demoralize the armed forces.”  All of these charges can carry with them the penalty of capital punishment.

Many others like Amadou and Issouf, who oppose Tandja’s political agenda, are experiencing the same treatment by law enforcement.  Many believe that the number of arrests will only get higher as the election nears.

For more information, please see:

BBC – Niger Corruption Case “Political” – 15 September 2009

All Africa – Tandja Cracks Down on Opponents – 15 September 2009

All Africa – Mamadou Tandja Finally Opts for Dictatorship – 27 May 2009

FrontLine – Niger: Detention of Human Rights Defender Mr. Marou Amadou – 17 August 2009