Moussa Tchangari, a respected Nigerien human rights defender, has been arbitrarily detained and is facing baseless charges for peacefully speaking out. Send a message now to the Nigerien authorities and call for his immediate release.
What is the problem?
Moussa Tchangari, Secretary-General of Alternative Espaces Citoyens, is one of Niger’s most prominent civil society leaders. He has long worked to promote human rights, civic dialogue, and democratic values. On 3 December 2024, he was arrested following his return to a trip abroad. We believe that this arrest was motivated by his public statements on governance and politics in Niger.
He has been held in detention and faces charges with no credible evidence, solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression. He has been charged, with advocating terrorism and criminal association in connection with terrorism, “infringing on national defence” and “intelligence with enemy countries”. In January 2025, he was transferred to Filingué prison, 180 km from Niger’s capital Niamey pending his trial. The arbitrary detention of Moussa Tchangari is part of a wider crackdown on civil society in Niger, where authorities have increasingly used intimidation and detention to silence critical voices.
Moussa Tchangari’s arrest is a worrying signal for all citizens who wish to participate in public debate and defend democratic principles without fear of repression.
What can you do to help?
Sign the petition and demand the immediate release of Moussa Tchangari, and call on Niger’s authorities to drop all charges against him.