On September 14, 2023, during the 54th session of the Human Rights Council, a biennial “Panel discussion on unilateral coercive measures and human rights” was held in Geneva. Fatimatou Hima from the Plateforme Paysanne du Niger, a member of Via Campesina, intervened on behalf of CETIM to declare and denounce the consequences of economic and financial sanctions against Niger and its people, particularly the impact on Nigerien peasants.
Following the coup d’état that took place on 26 July 2023, very harsh sanctions were decreed against Niger, such as the blocking of the banking system and the trade embargo on the country. In addition to these unjust and inhumane sanctions, the Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced a military intervention in Niger, supported by the United States and France.
The Confédération Paysanne denounces the risk of military intervention in Niger and supports the populations and farmers of the Sahel. The peasant, pastoral, and fishing communities that represent the vast majority of Niger’s population would be the first victims of the war. Peasants of the Confédération Paysanne denounce the economic sanctions and freezing of assets at the Central Bank of West African States.
Niger
