Niger Junta Strips Exiled Opposition Leader of Citizenship

Human Rights Watch has said Niger's junta is demonstrating a clear disregard for democracy and fundamental rights by provisionally stripping the nationality of exiled opposition leader Mariama Djibrine. The rights group warned that citizenship should never depend on political loyalty, lest it become a weapon in the hands of those in power. The measure against Djibrine is based on a 2024 decree that established a national database of terrorism suspects.

The junta has accused Djibrine of "inciting revolt, colluding with a foreign power," and disseminating "information likely to disturb public order" - charges that come amid an escalating crackdown on dissent since the July 2023 military coup.

Djibrine serves as president of the Alliance des Démocrates du Sahel (Sahel Democrats' Alliance), a coalition of Nigerien, Malian, and Burkinabè opposition groups launched in Belgium in May 2026 to advocate for a return to constitutional rule in the central Sahel.