By Sarah Baafi
The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has issued a call for the immediate release of former Niger President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife, Hadiza. This demand follows their prolonged detention since July 2023, when Bazoum was ousted in a military coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani. The UN considers their detention as “arbitrary” and a breach of international law, advocating not only for their freedom but also for the right to seek compensation.
Bazoum and his wife have been confined to a wing of the presidential residence in Niamey with minimal contact with the outside world. Only his doctor is permitted to visit them, bringing essential supplies like food and medicine. This isolation began in October 2023, cutting them off from family, friends, and legal counsel. The situation highlights concerns about human rights abuses under the current military regime.
Niger’s military authorities have rejected these claims by accusing Bazoum of plotting against state security through alleged communications with hostile forces. They view this as collusion with foreign powers aimed at orchestrating attacks against Niger. Despite these allegations, no trial date has been set following the revocation of Bazoum’s presidential immunity in June 2023.
The international community has consistently condemned Bazoum’s detention. UN Secretary-General António Guterres previously called for his reinstatement as head of state after being arbitrarily detained on July 26, 2023. ECOWAS also imposed sanctions on Niger following the coup but lifted them recently due to humanitarian concerns.
While there are differing perspectives on Bazoum’s situations ranging from accusations by Niger’s junta to calls for release from international bodies, the core issue remains his prolonged arbitrary detention without trial or adequate access to legal representation or family contact. His lawyers assert that he is being used as a “human shield” by those currently holding power in Niger. Half Paragraph: This ongoing crisis underscores broader regional tensions and challenges faced by West African nations grappling with political instability and external pressures.
Source:Africanews
