The Head of State of Niger and President of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland, General Abdourahamane Tiani, signed an ordinance on Monday, November 27, abrogating a law adopted by Niamey in 2015 to combat the illicit trafficking of migrants.
« The law No. 2015-35 of May 26, 2015, relating to the illicit trafficking of migrants, is abrogated as of May 26, 2015, » states the ordinance, adding that « convictions under this law and their effects are erased as of May 26, 2015, » and that « no claim of any kind on the basis of this ordinance is admissible. »
The military junta emphasizes that the targeted law was established under the influence of foreign powers. Indeed, Niger and the European Union (EU) had signed this convention with the aim of countering the migration of young Africans to Europe.
However, the said law had not taken into account the interests of Niger and its citizens, according to the new transitional authorities in Niamey.
Relations between Niger and the European Union have deteriorated since the coup on July 26 last year, which led to the ousting of the deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum.