The European Parliament adopted a resolution urging Niger’s junta to free ousted president Mohamed Bazoum by April 2 — the date his constitutional term would have ended. The text “strongly condemns the continued arbitrary detention” of Bazoum and his wife, demands their “immediate and unconditional release,” and asks the international community to step up diplomatic efforts. It also calls on Niger’s authorities to restore democratic institutions, reinstate political parties and organize free and fair elections.
Niamey responded angrily, summoning the EU ambassador and accusing the bloc of intervening in Niger’s internal affairs. Several civil society organizations publicly backed the government and hundreds of people rallied in support of the junta. At the protest some demonstrators said Nigerien political issues should be resolved at home and voiced deep distrust of former colonial powers, accusing them of seeking control of the country’s natural resources.
Bazoum took office on April 2, 2021, in a peaceful democratic transfer that was the first of its kind since independence, a transition that brought praise to his predecessor Mahamadou Issoufou. His administration faced immediate hurdles: Islamist violence across the region, a contested runoff that sparked protests, and an attempted coup that was foiled just before he was sworn in.
In July 2023 a coup led by Abdourahamane Tchiani removed Bazoum from power. The junta has kept Bazoum and his wife under house arrest in the presidential palace and has repositioned Niger away from close ties with France and Europe — which it accuses of neo‑colonial behavior — toward a policy of self‑determination and new partnerships, including ties with Russia and the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Many Nigeriens accuse France of treating their country primarily as a supplier of oil and uranium. For decades France’s Orano (formerly Areva) dominated uranium mining in Niger; the junta later revoked the company’s licence. At Monday’s demonstration a protester blamed France for prompting the European Parliament’s resolution.
The EU motion was spearheaded by French MEP Christophe Gomart, a retired officer who once oversaw special operations. Gomart, now a member of the European People’s Party and deputy chair of the Parliament’s Committee on Security and Defense, defended the resolution, saying Bazoum should not be tried for treason and noting that his election aimed to bring stability and prosperity. He warned that since Bazoum’s detention security in Niger has worsened, with rises in arms trafficking, human trafficking and terrorist activity.
Gomart denied any intent to interfere in Niger’s affairs, saying the resolution only sought Bazoum’s release, a return to constitutional order and democratic elections, and did not call for sanctions or prosecutions of the coup leaders.
Regional human rights advocates have also expressed concern. Alioune Tine, founder of the AfrikaJom Center, described Bazoum as a democratic leader who had worked toward peace and security. Nigerien journalist and activist Mamane Kaka Touda argued Bazoum should not be held indefinitely; if his immunity has been lifted and there are charges, they should be processed by the judiciary rather than by keeping him confined in the presidential palace. Touda also recalled the junta’s promise of a three‑year timetable to restore constitutional order and said many hope that commitment will be honored.
This article was adapted from German. Edited by: Chrispin Mwakideu.