Call to Release Political Detainees in Niger
- By: Ilaria Allegrozzi | Senior Sahel Researcher
- Photo: Former Niger President Mohamed Bazoum at the Elysee Palace in Paris, February 16, 2023. © 2023 Michel Euler/AP Photo
Following the military coup in July 2023, former Nigerien president Mohamed Bazoum and his wife have been held at the presidential palace in Niamey by the country’s junta. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has recently declared their detention as arbitrary and in violation of international human rights law, urging for their immediate release.
This is not the first time international bodies have condemned Bazoum’s detention. In December 2023, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice ruled that Bazoum and his family were arbitrarily detained and called for their release.
Despite legal proceedings initiated by the junta to prosecute Bazoum for alleged crimes during his presidency, the court process failed to meet international fair trial standards. With his presidential immunity lifted, Bazoum now faces charges of high treason.
The crackdown on political opposition and media, along with the expansion of repressive measures by the junta, has raised concerns about human rights violations in Niger. At least 30 officials from the previous government have been detained without due process, while others have been arbitrarily stripped of their nationality.
Civil society activist Moussa Tchangari was arrested and charged with “infringing on national defense,” yet his trial has not commenced. The expulsion of the International Committee of the Red Cross without explanation further highlights the lack of transparency in monitoring detention facilities.
It is imperative that Bazoum and all political detainees are released immediately. The junta must adhere to international human rights standards and put an end to politically motivated arrests and detentions in Niger.
