European Parliament Demands Release of Niger’s Detained Ex-President Bazoum

Over two and a half years after the military coup in Niger, ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife remain detained without legal justification. On March 11, 2026, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning their continued detention and calling for their immediate release, alongside other individuals detained following the coup.

Niger’s Response and International Condemnation

Niger’s Foreign Affairs Ministry responded to the European Parliament’s resolution by summoning the European Union’s chargé d’affaires in Niamey, accusing the EU of interference in Niger’s internal affairs MSN. This detention has drawn widespread international condemnation.

The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention previously found the detention of Bazoum and his wife to be arbitrary and in violation of international human rights law, issuing a call for their immediate release in February 2025 Human Rights Watch. Similarly, the ECOWAS Court of Justice ruled in December 2023 that Bazoum and his family were being unlawfully held and ordered their release Africa-Press.

Escalating Legal Proceedings Against Bazoum

Despite these rulings, Niger’s junta initiated proceedings to remove Bazoum’s presidential immunity in April 2024, paving the way for charges related to alleged crimes committed during his time in office. His immunity was lifted in June 2024 following proceedings that did not meet basic due process standards. Authorities have indicated their intention to prosecute him for high treason European Parliament.

Broader Crackdown on Dissent

Bazoum’s case is indicative of a wider crackdown on political opposition, media, and activist groups in Niger. The military authorities have tightened control over political life by restricting opposition activities, delaying a return to civilian democratic rule, and targeting critics in the media and civil society. At least 30 officials from the former government are currently detained without due process.

Moussa Tiangari, a prominent human rights activist and critic of the junta, was arbitrarily arrested in December 2024 and remains in detention on fabricated terrorism-related charges. Six journalists, arrested in October 2025, are also being held under a restrictive cybercrime law.

Call for Immediate Release

International bodies continue to urge Niger’s military authorities to heed growing calls for the immediate release of Bazoum, his wife, and all others detained on politically motivated grounds.