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

B100173/2026

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 its previous resolutions on the situation in Niger and the Sahel,

having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,

having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas a military coup took place in Niger on 26 July 2023, during which soldiers of the presidential guard detained democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum and dissolved the country’s constitutional order, establishing a junta known as the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland under General Abdourahamane Tchiani;

whereas President Bazoum and his wife have been held by the ruling junta since the coup, without access to legal counsel or family members, in violation of international human rights standards and due process;

whereas in June 2024 the junta-controlled State Court lifted President Bazoum’s immunity, allowing prosecution for alleged high treason; whereas despite these charges, no trial has been held and President Bazoum remains in detention without judicial proceedings;

whereas the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention determined in 2025 that the continued detention of President Bazoum and his wife violates international law and called for their immediate release;

whereas since the coup the junta has engaged in broader repression, including arrests of former officials, journalists and civil society actors on politically motivated charges, further undermining the rule of law and democratic freedoms in Niger;

whereas the junta has increasingly pivoted towards closer strategic and security cooperation with Russia, including the deployment of Russian paramilitary Africa Corps personnel to Niger;

whereas the security situation in Niger and across the Sahel continues to deteriorate as jihadist groups affiliated with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda carry out deadly attacks;

Condemns in the strongest possible terms the continued arbitrary detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and members of his family by the military junta in Niger;

Demands the immediate and unconditional release of President Bazoum, his wife, and all other arbitrarily detained persons;

Expresses deep concern at the ongoing repression in the country, including arbitrary arrests of political opponents, civil society actors and journalists;

Calls for accountability for violations of human rights and rule of law;

Expresses deep concern about the growing security and political cooperation between the junta and Russia; highlights that Russian paramilitary actors in the Sahel are responsible for serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture and sexual violence;

Strongly condemns the continued expansion of jihadist violence in Niger and the wider regions; stresses that political instability and the erosion of democratic institutions risk weakening Niger’s ability to combat terrorism effectively and protect civilian populations;

Expresses solidarity with the people of Niger in their aspirations for peace, democracy and the rule of law;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the authorities of Niger, the HR/VP, the Council, the African Union, and the United Nations.