Resolution on the arbitrary detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by the junta in Niger

The European Parliament adopted by 524 votes to 2, with 29 abstentions, a resolution on the arbitrary detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by the junta in Niger.

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

As a reminder, a military coup took place in Niger on 26 July 2023, following which the country’s constitutional order was dissolved and a military junta established. Since the coup, President Bazoum and his wife have been held by the ruling junta and are reportedly being detained without access to lawyers or family visits, and receiving only limited medical care. The State Court lifted Bazoum’s presidential immunity and the authorities vowed to prosecute him for ‘high treason’, which may lead to the death penalty.

Overall, the security situation in Niger and across the Sahel continues to deteriorate as jihadist groups carry out deadly attacks.

Against this background, Parliament strongly condemned the continued arbitrary detention of democratically elected President Bazoum and his wife, and all other individuals detained in the coup and called for their immediate and unconditional release.

While condemning the repression of political actors, journalists and civil society, Members called on the Nigerien authorities to accelerate the process of restoring democratic order, including the reinstatement of political parties and the organisation of free and fair elections.

The VP/HR, the Member States, the African Union and the international community are called on to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure the release of President Bazoum.