Mohamed Bazoum, the former president of Niger, has now been held in detention for over 550 days by the military junta that took control of the country following a coup in 2023. His legal team, including prominent American human rights lawyer Reed Brody, has launched an international campaign demanding his release, describing his prolonged detention as a dangerous violation of human rights and a concerning precedent for democratic governance.
Bazoum’s lawyers argue that his continued imprisonment, without any formal charges or evidence presented, underscores a severe breach of legal norms and the rule of law. “No charges have been brought against him or his family, and there is no legal basis for his detention,” said Brody, who had been in regular communication with Bazoum until his access was cut off nearly a year ago.
In response to this unjust imprisonment, world leaders and activists have rallied in support of Bazoum’s release. A petition calling for his freedom has garnered significant attention, reaching the halls of Washington and gaining widespread backing from the international community. The campaign also includes a dedicated website to keep the issue in the global spotlight, emphasizing the need to stand up for democracy, justice, and the fundamental principles Bazoum represents.
Since the military coup, Niger’s junta has consolidated power and has not clarified plans to restore a representative democracy, further fueling international concern over the country’s political future. Human rights advocates warn that the failure to formally charge and bring evidence against Bazoum is a stark reminder of the broader erosion of rule of law in the country.
This case remains a focal point for those calling for accountability and an end to arbitrary detentions in Niger, with the international community urging the military leaders to respect human rights, the rule of law and ensure a return to democratic rule.
Mohamed Bazoum at the European Commission by Bogdan Hoyaux on Wikipedia CC BY 4 0
