The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, and his wife, who have remained in detention since the 2023 military coup that toppled his government.
In a resolution passed almost unanimously on Friday, the lawmakers strongly condemned the continued detention of Bazoum and his spouse by Niger’s military authorities, describing their confinement as arbitrary and a violation of democratic principles and human rights.
Bazoum, who was democratically elected in 2021 in Niger’s first peaceful transfer of power between elected leaders, would have completed his five-year presidential term in April 2026 had he not been overthrown by members of his presidential guard.
The coup was led by Abdourahamane Tiani, the former head of the presidential guard, who seized power in July 2023, suspended the constitution, and established military rule in the West African nation.
In its resolution, the European Parliament urged the military junta to release Bazoum immediately and restore constitutional order, warning that the international community may consider additional sanctions and legal measures against members of the ruling military leadership if the situation persists.
The detention of the former president has drawn widespread international criticism since the coup. Regional bloc Economic Community of West African States initially threatened military intervention to restore democratic governance, but the plan was never implemented.
More than a year after the coup, Bazoum and his wife remain under confinement while the military authorities continue to consolidate their hold on power.
Political analysts say the failure of regional and global efforts to secure Bazoum’s release reflects growing concerns about the erosion of democratic norms across parts of the Sahel, where several countries have experienced military takeovers in recent years.
The European Parliament warned that ignoring such actions could embolden further unconstitutional seizures of power, stressing that democracy and human rights must remain central to international engagement with Niger.
The resolution also highlighted the deteriorating political and security climate in the country since the coup, noting that democratic institutions and civil liberties have weakened under military rule.
Meanwhile, critics have questioned the silence of Mahamadou Issoufou, Bazoum’s predecessor and long-time political ally, arguing that he has not publicly pushed strongly enough for Bazoum’s release despite their decades-long political partnership.
Observers believe the European Parliament’s decision could revive global attention on Bazoum’s detention and intensify diplomatic pressure on the junta to release him and return Niger to civilian governance.
Lawmakers also called on African governments and regional institutions to take a more proactive stance in defending democratic norms and supporting the restoration of constitutional rule in Niger.
Supporters of the deposed president continue to demand stronger international mobilisation, insisting that Bazoum’s freedom is essential to restoring the democratic mandate given to him by the Nigerien electorate.
