Paris, Geneva, February 20, 2025. In recent years, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Tchad have undergone profound political shifts. The rise of military leadership and subsequent “transition” periods have coincided with an alarming escalation in the repression of human rights defenders and a drastic reduction in civic engagement opportunities.

The Observatory’s new report, “Civic space and human rights defenders in the Sahel: regional convergence of repressive practices,” illustrates how these four regimes have adopted nearly identical tactics to silence dissent. Widespread arbitrary arrests, judicial harassment, forced disappearances, abductions, and torture are becoming standard practices across the region, alongside persistent online threats and intimidation.

“Our detailed documentation of 61 attacks against activists over the last five years reveals a grim reality: authorities in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Tchad appear trapped in an endless cycle of repression. This must stop. These nations must restore the rule of law and democracy that their citizens demand. We stand in full solidarity with these defenders,” stated Drissa Traore, Secretary General of the FIDH.

Beyond direct attacks, authorities are actively curbing fundamental freedoms by banning protests, violently suppressing demonstrations, dissolving independent associations, and exerting strict control over the media. These actions directly violate international and regional obligations, undermining any hope for a human rights-based resolution to the ongoing crises.

“It is high time for the authorities in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Tchad to align with their international commitments and cease the crackdown on civil society. We call upon the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the United Nations, and international partners to take decisive action to end these violations,” urged Gerald Staberock, Secretary General of the OMCT.