The United Nations has condemned the continued detention of Niger’s deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, and his wife, Hadiza, labeling it as “arbitrary” and calling for their immediate release.
Bazoum, who was elected in 2021, was overthrown on July 26, 2023, in a military coup led by General Abdourahamane Tiani over claims of failing to curb jihadist attacks. Since then, the former leader and his wife have been held under strict confinement at the presidential palace in Niamey.
A UN working group on arbitrary detention stated in a report obtained by AFP on Monday that their imprisonment lacks legal justification.
“The detentions of Mohamed Bazoum and Hadiza Bazoum are arbitrary,” the report said. “The appropriate measure would be to immediately free Mr. and Mrs. Bazoum and grant them the right to obtain compensation.”
Lawyers representing Bazoum also denounced his treatment, revealing that since October 2023, he has had no contact with family, friends, or legal counsel, with only a doctor allowed to bring food and medicine.
Despite an ECOWAS court ruling in December 2023 ordering his release, Niger’s military government has ignored the directive. The junta has accused Bazoum of conspiring with foreign forces to reclaim power, though no trial date has been set since his immunity was lifted in June 2023.
