ECOWAS Court Orders “Immediate” Release Of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum

Mohamed Bazoum, the president of Niger, has been detained since the coup that toppled him on July 26. The Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) issued an order on Friday directing his “immediate” release as well as the release of his family.

After deliberating in Abuja, the court declared that it “orders the defendant (the military authorities in Niamey, editor’s note) to release all the applicants immediately and unconditionally.” “The defendant has violated their right not to be arbitrarily detained”, the judge said.

In addition, the Court requested Mohamed Bazoum’s return to his previous role. The judge affirmed that Mohamed Bazoum “remains President of the Republic” and that he “represents the State of Niger.” “There are constitutional rights that have been violated”, as well as “political rights”, he said.

Since his overthrow on July 26 by a coup d’état, Mohamed Bazoum, his wife Haziza, and their son Salem have been living in seclusion in their presidential mansion.

The overthrown president filed an appeal with the Ecowas Court of Justice in mid-September, requesting his release and the reinstatement of the nation’s constitution. The “arbitrary arrest” and “violation of the freedom of movement” of Bazoum, his wife, and their son were mentioned in the application that his solicitors filed.