The Supreme Court’s decision sparks controversy among legal experts

The National Union for Integrity and Sovereignty (UNIS) has sharply criticized a recent ruling by the Niger Supreme Court’s judge of interim measures, which dismissed its request to suspend the installation of Ousmane Sonko as President of the National Assembly. The organization has vowed to pursue its case on the merits and called for the full bench of the Supreme Court to rule on the matter.

UNIS condemns the Supreme Court’s interim ruling

In a strongly worded statement, UNIS described the June 25, 2026 ruling as a dangerous precedent that creates a conflict of jurisdiction and constitutes a denial of justice. The organization, led by President Amadou Gueye, argues that the decision undermines the rule of law by allowing administrative acts of the National Assembly to escape judicial scrutiny. The Supreme Court’s judge of interim measures declared UNIS’s request inadmissible, citing the principle of separation of powers and the court’s refusal to interfere in the internal affairs of the legislature.

A legal dispute with far-reaching implications

The controversy stems from a June 17, 2026 decision by the Constitutional Council, which ruled itself incompetent to hear the case, classifying the contested act as an administrative measure rather than a legislative one. UNIS had simultaneously filed a petition for annulment of the act and a request for interim measures to suspend its enforcement. However, the Supreme Court’s judge dismissed the interim request, further escalating tensions.

UNIS contends that the Constitutional Council’s classification of the act as an “administrative integration act” implicitly designated the Supreme Court as the competent jurisdiction. The organization argues that the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the interim request creates a legal vacuum, leaving no court willing to rule on the matter. It asserts that the principle of separation of powers does not preclude judicial review of administrative acts issued by the legislative branch, citing recent decisions by the Constitutional Council that upheld judicial oversight over institutional acts.

UNIS warns of a ‘lawless zone’ within the National Assembly

The organization has warned that the Supreme Court’s ruling could establish a dangerous precedent, allowing the Bureau of the National Assembly to operate in a legal gray area where administrative decisions evade judicial control. Despite the setback, UNIS has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the case on the merits and has requested that the full bench of the Supreme Court convene to rule on its jurisdiction. The organization views this as a critical moment for clarifying the boundaries between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government and ensuring legal certainty.

UNIS has called on magistrates to fully exercise their constitutional role in this case, framing it as a pivotal moment for Niger’s democratic institutions.