Nearly two months after being overthrown by soldiers who are still imprisoning him, the deposed president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, has chosen to take his case before the West African justice system in an effort to secure his release and the restoration of constitutional order in the nation.
“We ask (…) in view of the violation of political rights, that the State of Niger be condemned to the immediate restoration of constitutional order by handing over power to President Bazoum, who must continue to exercise it until the end of his mandate on April 2, 2026”, his Senegalese lawyer, Maître Seydou Diagne, told AFP on Wednesday.
The petition, submitted on September 18 to the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), alleges “arbitrary arrest” and “violation of the freedom of movement” of President Mohamed Bazoum, his wife Haziza, and son Salem, who have all been held in detention at the presidential palace since the July 26 coup d’état.
“Clients are victims of serious and intolerable human rights violations,” claims Maître Diagne. They are entitled to present their case to the appropriate courts. This can’t make things worse for them, so there’s optimism that justice will be served.
In the event of a favorable decision, “the State of Niger has(ura) the legal obligation to execute the decision”, he assured.
“What we’re interested in is getting the State of Niger condemned by a court decision. Mr. Bazoum’s fight is a fight through the law”, he stressed.
Maître Seydou Diagne also asserted that “General (Abdourahamane) Tiani (head of the military regime, editor’s note) is not empowered by Nigerien law to make arrests. He has been appointed by decree since 2011 to ensure the President’s security“.
The organization’s Court of Justice is the main jurisdiction of Ecowas, made up of 5 judges chosen from among the nationals of member states.
In mid-August, the coup plotters announced their intention to “prosecute” Mohamed Bazoum for “high treason” and “undermining the security” of the country.
- Bazoum and Ecowas Backed
Since July 30, Ecowas has threatened the coup plotters with military action to reestablish constitutional order.
Despite the backing of several Western nations, it had previously stated that the operation’s day and specifics had been chosen, giving diplomatic channels priority.
On Wednesday, the European Union (EU) reiterated its “support for the position of Ecowas”, once again calling for “the immediate and unconditional release of President Bazoum and his family”, and “does not recognize the authorities resulting from the putsch”, Nabila Massrali, spokeswoman for EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, told AFP.
