‘Witch-hunt’ in Niger as military regime rounds up LGBTQ+ population
Key takeaways
- Niger’s military leader, Gen Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in 2023.
- Up to 40 people have been arrested and 16 men, including high-ranking military officials, have been imprisoned across the country, according to local media.
- Organisations providing HIV services to men who have sex with men have had to stop working, according to a source who asked to remain anonymous.
Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.
Niger’s military leader, Gen Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in 2023. Photograph: APView image in fullscreen Niger’s military leader, Gen Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in 2023. Photograph: APNiger‘Witch-hunt’ in Niger as military regime rounds up LGBTQ+ population Fears of resurgence of HIV/Aids amid loss of access to Pr EP drugs as at least 40 people arrested in ‘toxic’ climate
About this content Sarah Johnson Wed 1 Jul 2026 08.00 BSTLast modified on Wed 1 Jul 2026 08.02 BSTShare Prefer the Guardian on GoogleA “witch-hunt” is under way in Niger, where dozens of people have been arrested for homosexuality in the west African state following the introduction of a new penal code earlier this year.
Up to 40 people have been arrested and 16 men, including high-ranking military officials, have been imprisoned across the country, according to local media.