Human Rights Defender Moussa Tchangari Arrested in Niger

Moussa Tchangari, a prominent human rights defender and Secretary General of Alternatives, was arrested at his home in Niamey on November 12, 2024, by plainclothes officers. He was charged with criminal association connected to terrorism, undermining national defense, and intelligence.

His arrest occurred shortly after he publicly criticized the Nigerien military government's policies and the revocation of licenses for two humanitarian NGOs by Niger's Interior Minister. Tchangari, who has a 30-year record in civil society activism, is known for advocating for democracy and civic space in Niger.

He has previously faced arrests, including in 2015 for criticizing the government’s response to the Boko Haram insurgency. His detention has drawn attention from international organizations, including Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders, highlighting concerns over the repression of civic space in Niger.