The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Commission), meeting at its 68th Ordinary Session held virtually from 14 April to 4 May 2021,
Recalling its mandate to promote and protect human and peoples' rights in Africa under Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Charter);
Reaffirming its commitment to the promotion of democracy in Africa and recognizing that good governance, transparency and respect for human rights are essential principles that contribute to peace and development in Africa;
Bearing in mind Article 23 of the African Charter, which guarantees the right of all peoples to national and international peace and security;
Recalling its resolutions ACHPR/Res.162 (EXT.OSVIII) 10 on the political situation in Niger and ACHPR/Res.35 (XXV) 99 on the Situation in Niger, as well as its press releases of 14 December 2019, following the terrorist attack on a military camp in Inates in western Niger, of 13 January 2020 concerning the jihadist attacks on a Nigerien army camp in Chinégodar and of January 2021 on the jihadist attacks in northern Niger;
Mindful of the provisions of the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention) and the AU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugees in Africa;
Considering United Nations Security Council Resolution UNSC 2573 (2021) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict;
Reaffirming Articles 4, 6, 12, 16 and 18 of the African Charter, which guarantee the right to life, the right to liberty and security, the right to freedom of movement, the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and the protection of the vulnerable;
Concerned by the multiple jihadist attacks that continue to bereave the people of Niger, as well as the failed coup d'état, which have seriously undermined the stability of Niger;
Concerned by the increase in the number of internally displaced persons creating a humanitarian crisis, particularly in the tri-border area following the various terrorist attacks
Deeply concerned by the fragility of the current socio-economic situation in Niger;
The Commission:
1. Condemns the deterioration of the security, humanitarian and socio-political situation in Niger;
2. Calls on the African Union, ECOWAS, the G5 Sahel Force and the international community to redouble their efforts to combat terrorism and consolidate the actions and initiatives launched within the framework of the prevention and fight against terrorism in Niger and in other Sahel countries;
3. Urges the African Union to assist Niger to address the humanitarian crisis it is facing with the massive displacement of populations as a result of last year's floods, as well as the incessant terrorist attacks through the African Humanitarian Agency.
4. Notes with appreciation the support of humanitarian agencies assisting Niger and encourages them to redouble their efforts.
