elevating human rights protection in the Sahel: a regional conference addressing insecurity challenges
In a significant step toward addressing the escalating human rights violations in the Sahel region, a two-day regional conference on human rights protection mechanisms was inaugurated in Niamey. The event, held under the leadership of Mr. Maty El Hadj Moussa, President of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the judiciary, international organizations, and diplomatic missions.
key objectives and stakeholder engagement
The conference aims to:
- Sensitize stakeholders on best practices for human rights protection in conflict zones
- Enhance capacities for preventing and addressing human rights violations
- Strengthen governance and the rule of law by empowering internal and external oversight institutions
- Foster collaborative solutions to the complex challenges facing the Sahel
insights from the opening ceremony
Mr. Moussa highlighted the dire situation in the Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger border region, where civilians endure severe human rights abuses. “This asymmetrical warfare, marked by unprecedented violence, has turned communities into battlegrounds, where suspicion itself can be a death sentence,” he stated. He emphasized the urgent need for collective action to restore peace, security, and stability for the region’s citizens.
Mr. Moussa Sahirou Tchida, Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Justice, underscored the importance of international partnerships. “The European Union’s support for this conference reflects a shared commitment to addressing the crisis in the three-border zone,” he noted. He reaffirmed Niger’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives aimed at stabilizing the region.
Ms. Anne Benette, Director of Africa at the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), pointed out that political, social, and environmental crises in the Sahel exacerbate governance challenges. She stressed that “this conference provides a vital platform to share best practices, confront shared challenges, and collectively strengthen our response to human rights violations and security threats.”
Mr. Herman Nicolai, Germany’s Ambassador to Niger, warned of the Sahel’s tragic escalation in violence, driven by extremist groups and transnational criminal networks. “Over the past decade, these actors have caused thousands of civilian and military casualties and displaced countless individuals,” he remarked.
