The Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued a directive on Friday, demanding the “immediate” release of President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger. Bazoum had been held captive since the coup that ousted him on July 26, along with his family.
The judge, deliberating in Abuja, stated that the Court “orders the defendant (the military authorities in Niamey, editor’s note) to release all the applicants immediately and unconditionally.” He emphasised that the defendant had violated their right not to be arbitrarily detained.
Additionally, the Court called for the reinstatement of Mohamed Bazoum to his presidential position, reaffirming his representation of the State of Niger. The judge asserted that Bazoum “remains President of the Republic,” citing constitutional and political rights violations.
Mohamed Bazoum, along with his wife Haziza and their son Salem, has been confined to his presidential residence since the coup on July 26. In mid-September, the ousted president appealed to the Ecowas Court of Justice, seeking his release and the restoration of constitutional order in the country.
The application submitted by Bazoum’s legal representatives highlighted the “arbitrary arrest” and “violation of the freedom of movement” of the former president, his wife, and their son.
