Strengthening human rights protection in the Sahel’s tri-border region

In Niamey, the President of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), Maty El Hadj Moussa, inaugurated a regional summit dedicated to human rights safeguarding mechanisms. This conference specifically focuses on the security challenges within the tri-border area involving Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The opening ceremony was attended by the German Ambassador to Niger, the Africa Director of DCAF, and the Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice.

Objectives of the regional dialogue

Over the course of two days, the conference intends to educate stakeholders on best practices for defending human rights. Key goals include enhancing the proficiency of participants regarding tools for preventing rights violations and fostering better governance. By strengthening both internal and external oversight institutions, the initiative seeks to uphold the rule of law across the region.

During the proceedings, Maty El Hadj Moussa highlighted the gravity of the situation in the border zones of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. He pointed out that civilians are caught in a wave of mass human rights abuses. These violations are committed not only by unidentified armed groups spreading terror but also, in some instances, by security forces involved in counter-insurgency operations. He described the conflict as an asymmetric war where the threat often resides within the very communities it victimizes.

A call for collective action and stability

The CNDH President stressed that the persistent nature of this crisis requires human rights defenders to develop strategies that meet the public’s need for peace and security. Echoing this sentiment, the Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice, Moussa Sahirou Tchida, noted that regional initiatives require deep synergy between all actors. He acknowledged the vital support of international partners, including European Union member states, in organizing these efforts to stabilize the tri-border zone.

Anne Benette, Africa Director at DCAF, observed that the convergence of political, humanitarian, and environmental crises in the Sahel has made governance increasingly complex. She argued that this regional meeting is essential for establishing a space where shared experiences and best practices can improve the collective response to threats against the rule of law.

Finally, the German Ambassador to Niger, Herman Nicolai, warned that the Sahel is currently facing a more rapid escalation of violence than any other part of the continent. He noted that over a decade of extremist activity and transnational crime has led to thousands of deaths and massive population displacement, underscoring the urgency of the human rights mission.