On the arbitrary detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by the junta in Niger

B100163/2026

European Parliament resolution on the arbitrary detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by the junta in Niger

(2026/2642(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas in July 2023 a military coup led to the dissolution of the elected government in Niger and arbitrary arrests of officials and civilians;

whereas the democratically elected President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum and his wife remain since then illegally detained in near-total isolation, despite international institutions condemning his detention and ordering his immediate release and reinstatement;

whereas the Nigerien Constitution remains suspended, all activities of political parties are officially dissolved, and critical media and peaceful dissent are repressed;

whereas Niger’s January 2025 withdrawal from ECOWAS has led to economic, security and isolation threats for the region's population;

whereas the Alliance of Sahel States’s (AES) announced intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) would significantly undermine the chances of victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in the region to seek justice;

whereas since 2023, the humanitarian situation in Niger has deteriorated sharply due to increasing insecurity and severe climate shocks, leaving nearly one million people displaced; whereas access to humanitarian aid is severely restricted following the mass dissolution of NGOs and the expulsion of major international actors like the ICRC;

Condemns continued, arbitrary and unlawful detention of President Mohamed Bazoum;

Calls on the Nigerien authorities for the immediate and unconditional release of President Mohamed Bazoum, and ensuring his access to legal representation and medical care, and calls for the full respect of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of his family members;

Deplores the intensified actions of the Nigerien authorities undermining democracy, human rights, freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly;

Calls on the Nigerien authorities to restore constitutional order in Niger without delay, and to accelerate the process of restoring democratic order, including the reinstatement of political parties;

Expresses deep concern over the AES announced intention to withdraw from the ICC; urges the Nigerien authorities to release all those detained without a fair trial and to uphold international law;

Underlines the importance of continued humanitarian aid for the most vulnerable; welcomes continuation of EU’s projects, at Niger’s request, to respond to urgent needs; recalls all parties of the obligation to ensure unhindered humanitarian access;

Calls on the EU to continue supporting humanitarian actors and local organisations providing assistance to the affected population;

Expresses support for the engagement of the EU Special Representative for the Sahel to secure the release of President Bazoum and for a frank, honest and structured dialogue with the Niger authorities based on mutual respect and shared interests;

Calls on the HR/VP and the Member States to strengthen diplomatic engagement in order to secure the immediate release of President Bazoum, and ensure that the fundamental rights and freedoms of his family are upheld;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the HR/VP, and the authorities of Niger and the Alliance of Sahel States.