On December 3, 2024, Moussa Tchangari, a veteran human rights defender and journalist, stepped off a plane from Abuja, Nigeria, where he had just spoken at a symposium celebrating the work of African activists. One hour after arriving at his home in Niamey, armed, plain-clothed men stormed in and took him. They didn’t identify themselves. They didn’t explain why. They simply took him.
It felt like a kidnapping, and for his friend and fellow activist Jibrin Ibrahim, it was a gut-wrenching blow. Tchangari had just addressed the gathering in Hausa, calling for African solidarity in defending democracy and civic space. He was back home for less than sixty minutes before the state apparatus swallowed him.
The charges came later: criminal association with a terrorist enterprise, undermining national defence, and intelligence with enemy powers. The real crime? Speaking out. Three weeks before his arrest, Tchangari had publicly criticized Niger’s interior minister for revoking the licenses of two humanitarian NGOs. He had spent thirty years building Citizens’ Alternative Spaces, a civic organization that uses community radio stations to educate and advocate. He had organized street demonstrations against hunger and poverty. He was, in short, a voice the junta wanted silenced.
Since seizing power in July 2023, Niger’s military rulers have systematically targeted political opponents, civil society, and journalists. They have arbitrarily detained former President Mohamed Bazoum, withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States and the International Criminal Court, and now they are using terrorism charges to crush dissent.
Tchangari was initially held in Niamey, where family could visit. Then he was moved to Filingue prison, 170 kilometers away. Family visits now require judicial authorization and are limited to twice a week. He has not stood trial. He has not been told which terrorist group he is accused of linking with. And because the charges include plotting with enemy powers, he faces the death penalty.
In June 2025, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention ruled that Tchangari’s detention is arbitrary and violates international human rights law. They called for his immediate release, reparations, and an independent investigation. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Transparency International, and a coalition of Nigerian lawyers have all demanded the same.
Three appeals for his release have been rejected. The junta has offered no evidence. No trial date has been set.
For Jibrin Ibrahim, the message is clear: Niger’s authorities must stop using terrorism charges to silence dissent. They must release Tchangari and all others held on baseless, politically motivated charges.
Dear Comrade Moussa, remain strong. Progressive forces around the world are fighting for you.
