African rights body urges Niger to address Mahamid community concerns

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has issued an urgent appeal to Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tchiani regarding the treatment of the Arab Mahamid community. The commission raised alarms on November 9 after sending a letter on November 6 that outlined alleged violations of fundamental rights in the southeastern Diffa region.

The signatories of the appeal included the commissioner responsible for the human rights situation in Niger, along with the heads of two specific working groups. These groups focus on economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as the rights of Indigenous populations, communities, and minorities.

The Mahamid are an Arab community with historical ties to Chad and Sudan. Many families have lived in Niger’s Diffa region for generations following waves of migration from neighboring countries. Disputes over nationality and identity documents have frequently placed the community at odds with local authorities.

Government officials have accused some Mahamid residents of fraudulently obtaining nationality papers, trafficking arms, and maintaining links to armed groups in the Lake Chad basin area. During a security meeting in Diffa on August 22, Governor Mahamadou Ibrahim Bagadoma and other officials discussed these issues alongside tensions over water and grazing land.

According to the state news agency ANP, Bagadoma warned against holding the entire Arab community responsible for allegations involving specific individuals. It is noted that these accusations have not been independently verified by external observers.

Recent reports suggest that authorities have imposed measures limiting the community’s access to basic services. The Nigerien publication African Perceptions reported obtaining a copy of an Interior Ministry radio message dated October 7. The message, numbered 002235, was addressed to the governors of Diffa and Zinder.

The document reportedly instructed local authorities to close schools and water facilities used by the Mahamid. It also required community members to pay the full cost of healthcare and halted the issuance of civil status documents. Furthermore, it called for the withdrawal of existing national identity cards and passports, with security forces tasked with enforcing these measures.

While the commission has expressed concern over these reported restrictions, its appeal does not constitute a formal finding that the government has violated the community’s rights. Al Jazeera has not independently authenticated the Interior Ministry document or confirmed whether the instructions have been fully implemented.

Concerns have also arisen regarding the potential forced departure of the community. Chadian broadcaster Radio Ndarason Internationale reported that Mahamid representatives were told at a meeting on November 8 that they had two months to leave Niger. The meeting reportedly involved the Diffa prefect, the Gueskerou administrator, the Komadougou canton chief, and village chiefs.

Nigerien publication La Roue de l’Histoire reported on November 10 that authorities set December 31, 2026, as the deadline for the community to leave. Neither publication has released a formal expulsion order, and Al Jazeera has not confirmed the legal basis for the decision or if it applies to all members of the community. A similar dispute occurred in 2006 when the government planned to expel Arabs from Diffa to Chad, a move that was later suspended following protests and negotiations.