Resolution on the unlawful detention of President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the unlawful detention of President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA, ECR groups and Members.

The democratically elected President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, was illegally arrested, together with his wife and son, on 26 July 2023 following a military coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani. The military junta dissolved the elected Government. President Bazoum and his family have been imprisoned in his residence in unfavourable conditions ever since, without sufficient food or electricity and limited access to medical care. The unlawful imprisonment of President Bazoum and his family is aimed at pressuring him to resign. The junta has announced that it will prosecute President Bazoum for ‘high treason’ and ‘undermining state security’, offences which may carry the death penalty.

Parliament is deeply concerned by the security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Niger and the region and deplored the fact that the coup has greatly jeopardised democratic, security and economic progress in Niger.

Parliament strongly condemned the military coup of 26 July 2023 and called for the immediate and unconditional release of President Bazoum and his family, and all those arbitrarily detained, and for the charges against him to be dropped.

The resolution demanded the immediate reinstatement of democratically elected Mohamed Bazoum as President of Niger and the immediate restoration of constitutional order.

While urging the junta to uphold human rights and guarantee freedom of expression and media freedom, Parliament called on the Council to implement sanctions against the leaders of the Nigerien junta. Members also welcomed the suspension of budget support and security cooperation, while humanitarian assistance continues as well as the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS’s) decision to impose economic and financial sanctions.

Lastly, Parliament emphasised that terrorism throughout the Sahel undermines democratic consolidation and the rule of law and expressed concerned about Russia’s attempts to increase its presence in Sahel to the detriment of regional stability and democracy.