The United Nations has described the detention of Nigerien human rights activist Moussa Tchangari as arbitrary and urged the authorities in Niger to release him immediately.
In a report adopted on 23 March 2026 and made public on 23 June 2026, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that Tchangari’s arrest, prosecution and imprisonment violate international legal standards. The body also reclassified his detention as an enforced disappearance and called for him to be granted appropriate redress.
Tchangari, Secretary-general of the Civil society organisation “Alternative Espaces Citoyens”, was arrested on 3 December 2024 and is currently being held in Fillingué prison. He faces charges including glorifying terrorism, undermining State security and threatening national defense.
Members of his organization have welcomed the UN ruling, insisting that the veteran rights defender, who has spent more than three decades advocating for human rights, cannot be associated with terrorism and urging Niger’s military authorities to respect the international opinion.