ABSTRACT
The military regime in Niger, under Seyni Kountché from April 15, 1974, to November 10, 1987, came to power through a coup d'état. The regime centralized political power, banned political parties, and suspended the constitution, establishing an authoritarian governance structure. The elimination of democratic processes and political pluralism created an environment where dissent was not tolerated, and political opposition was effectively neutralized. The regime was responsible for numerous human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, detention without trial, torture, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances. Freedoms of speech, assembly, and association were severely restricted, with tight control over the media and harsh repression of political dissent. Civil society organizations and activists were heavily repressed, limiting their capacity to operate and advocate for human rights. The political culture during the regime was characterized by fear, apathy, and a lack of engagement in democratic processes, which persisted beyond the end of the regime. The regime initiated several development projects, but these were often plagued by corruption and inefficiency. Economic policies did not significantly improve poverty levels or reduce inequality. The benefits of development were unevenly distributed, exacerbating socio-economic disparities. The end of the military regime left a legacy of weakened institutions and a culture of impunity. Efforts to address past human rights abuses through transitional justice mechanisms have been limited and faced numerous challenges, including political resistance and limited resources.
