‘Witch-hunt’ in Niger as military regime rounds up LGBTQ+ population

‘Witch-hunt’ in Niger as Military Regime Rounds Up LGBTQ+ Population

Escalating Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Community

Witch hunt in Niger as military - Niger is witnessing a sweeping campaign against its LGBTQ+ community, marked by the arrest of dozens of individuals for engaging in homosexual acts. This intensified crackdown has unfolded since the implementation of a revised penal code earlier this year, which has led to the imprisonment of 16 men—including high-ranking military officials—across the West African nation. According to local media reports, the new legislation has created a climate of fear, forcing many members of the LGBTQ+ population to remain in hiding.

“With the recent witch-hunt and these arrests, the atmosphere has become deeply hostile,” said an anonymous source who spoke to the press. “LGBTQ+ communities are now avoiding public life, and we’ve lost contact with several individuals. The arrests have only heightened the tension and uncertainty in the country.”

Legal Framework and Punishments

The penal code, enacted in February 2026, defines “indecent or unnatural acts” and “sexual relations with a person of the same sex” as criminal offenses, punishable by up to a decade in prison and a fine of 100 million West African CFA francs (£130,000). This marks a historic shift in Niger, as the country becomes the first to explicitly criminalize homosexuality. The law also introduces severe penalties for those involved in gay marriages, imposing prison terms of up to 20 years for participants, witnesses, or organizers. Additionally, any entity or individual associated with LGBTQ+ organizations—whether directly or indirectly—faces up to two decades of imprisonment and substantial fines.

Local activists have highlighted the alarming consequences of these measures, particularly for public health initiatives. Organizations that previously provided HIV testing and condoms to men who have sex with men (MSM) have been compelled to cease operations, leaving vulnerable populations without essential resources. The anonymous source emphasized the risk of a public health crisis, noting that the absence of support services could lead to a surge in HIV infections. “When people are forced into secrecy, they can’t protect themselves,” they warned. “The impact of this law on health outcomes is already evident.”

Political Shift and Rhetoric

The current military government, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has been at the forefront of this legislative change. Tchiani seized power in a coup d’état in July 2023 and was formally installed as president in 2025, marking the start of a five-year term. His administration has since dissolved all political parties, centralizing authority and reinforcing a narrative of African sovereignty. As a former UN peacekeeper, Tchiani has championed anti-imperialist rhetoric, aligning Niger with the Alliance of Sahel States—a regional bloc formed with Mali and Burkina Faso to distance itself from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Political leaders in Niger have framed the crackdown as a defense of traditional African values, yet critics argue it serves to consolidate power and suppress dissent. Larissa Kojoué, a political scientist and pan-African activist, dismissed the notion that homosexuality is a Western import. “Leaders are using this to advance their agendas,” she stated. “They invoke ‘African culture’ and sovereignty while eroding human rights. There is no culture that tolerates violence against the innocent without accountability, but on the continent, LGBTQ+ individuals face systemic discrimination with little consequence.”

From Civilian Rule to Military Jurisdiction

The groundwork for these punitive laws was laid under Niger’s previous civilian administration, led by President Mohamed Bazoum. However, the military regime has accelerated the process, replacing the 2010 constitution with the Charter of the Refoundation in March 2025. This charter, while banning same-sex relationships, did not immediately impose harsh penalties. It was the February 2026 penal code that finalized the legal framework for severe punishment, including the death penalty in certain cases. The transition from civilian to military rule has seen a sharp turn toward stricter social controls, with LGBTQ+ rights becoming a focal point of political conflict.

The new law has sparked concerns about the long-term effects on society. With increased surveillance and a culture of fear, many Nigeriens are now hesitant to express their sexual orientations or identities. The anonymous source noted that this has disrupted community networks, which were vital for support and advocacy. “The LGBTQ+ population is no longer visible in public spaces, and their voices are being silenced,” they said. “This isn’t just about punishment—it’s about erasing their existence from the national narrative.”

Regional Trends and Global Implications

Niger’s legal actions reflect a broader pattern across sub-Saharan Africa, where several countries have adopted or strengthened laws targeting LGBTQ+ communities. Recent examples include Uganda’s 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act, which criminalizes homosexual acts and imposes the death penalty in some cases, and Senegal’s law that doubled the maximum prison term for same-sex relations to 10 years. In Ghana, a proposed bill aims to criminalize groups that promote gay rights, further illustrating the growing trend of repression.

Meanwhile, Niger’s stance on HIV/AIDS has drawn international criticism. Last week, the country joined eight others in voting against the UN’s political declaration on HIV/AIDS, which aimed to address the global health crisis. The declaration revealed that HIV infections have increased in the Middle East, northern Africa, Latin America, eastern Europe, and Central Asia, while western and central Africa has seen a 49% reduction in new cases between 2010 and 2022. However, sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicenter of the epidemic, accounting for 64% of all people living with HIV globally. In 2023 alone, an estimated 32,000 new infections were reported in Niger, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Resistance and Future Outlook

Despite the government’s efforts, resistance continues within Niger’s LGBTQ+ community and civil society. Activists have organized underground networks to support those imprisoned and to keep the conversation alive. “This is not just a legal battle—it’s a fight for dignity and survival,” said Kojoué. “We need to mobilize more support to challenge these laws and protect human rights.”

As the military regime tightens its grip, the question remains: how long will this trend of repression persist? With the penal code now in place and the political climate increasingly hostile, the future for Niger’s LGBTQ+ population looks uncertain. Yet, the resilience of those affected and the growing international attention may provide hope for change, even as the nation moves further from its previous trajectory of progressive policies.

The situation in Niger serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities in regions where cultural and religious norms are used to justify legal discrimination. While the country has made strides in public health, the new penal code threatens to reverse those gains, highlighting the complex interplay between law, identity, and power in West Africa.