CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society worldwide, strongly condemns Niger’s decision to suspend hundreds of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This crackdown aims to silence internal dissent and critics who champion human rights and good governance.
On 21 November 2025, Niger’s Ministry of the Interior suspended the activities of hundreds of non-governmental organisations operating in the country. This has further deepened months-long effort by the state to control civil society sector. government authorities confirmed that the suspension follows a new regulatory push introduced earlier this year. They accuse organisations of failing to officially publish their 2024 financial statements.
The government of Niger must protect and promote the rights of its citizens and create an enabling environment for civil society organisations by removing undue restrictions on the right to freedom of association.
“The suspension of these organisations is a new low for human rights in a country that has continuously failed to respect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association. This is intended to silence civil society voices committed to defending human rights and check the excesses of government in restricting civic space. Niger’s authorities should immediately reverse this decision and allow suspended organisations to resume their work,” said Paul Mulindwa, Advocacy and Campaigns Officer – Africa Lead for CIVICUS.
Background
Since taking power following a July 2023 coup, General Abdourahamane Tiani has regularly accused NGOs of lacking transparency and of supporting the jihadists waging a long-running insurgency in the Sahel nation. In late January, Interior Minister General Mohamed Toumba announced the adoption of “important measures to ensure the monitoring and supervision of NGOs and development organisations”.
On 20 November 2025, Toumba authorised around 100 organisations out of more than 4,000 operating in Niger to continue their operations. He ordered others, both national and international, to suspend activities for failing to officially publish their 2024 financial statements. These have been given 60 days to comply with the order.
There are 4,122 NGOs and development associations operating in Niger, including 332 foreign ones. Civil society organisations are appreciated for mobilising more than 250 billion CFA francs (around $440 million) in 2024.
The CIVICUS Monitor, an online platform that tracks threats to civil society in countries across the globe, rates civic space – the space for civil society – in Niger as repressed.