Niger revokes citizenship of five critics, including former PM

Niger's military leader, Abdourahamane Tiani, has signed a decree revoking the citizenship of five individuals, including former Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou. The decree targets figures identified as critics of the ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) who are currently residing abroad.

The accused individuals—Amadou dit Ange Barou Chekaraou, Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, Oumarou Moussa Ibrahim, Ousmane Abdoul Moumouni, and Boubacar Seyni Souley—face allegations including spreading data to disturb public order, collaborating with foreign powers, defaming the state via electronic communications, and participating in efforts to demoralize the military and the nation.

This move is part of a broader legal framework established by the CNSP since July 2023 to sanction those suspected of terrorism or undermining state interests. According to the Nigerien Press Agency (ANP), the total number of people stripped of their nationality has reached 25 since the military took power.