MOHAMED Bazoum, Niger’s ousted president, has now spent 550 days in detention under the country’s military junta, with no formal charges against him. His legal team and global rights advocates warn that his prolonged confinement is setting a dangerous precedent for democracy in the region.
According to RFI, an international campaign has been launched to secure Bazoum’s release, gaining backing from world leaders, human rights groups, and the United Nations. A petition advocating for his freedom has reached Washington, and a dedicated website has been set up to ensure that his plight remains in the global spotlight.
‘A call to action for democracy’
‘His unjust detention is a call to action—for democracy, justice, and the principles he represents,’ the petition states. ‘Together, we stand with President Bazoum and demand his freedom.’
One of Bazoum’s lawyers, American human rights advocate Reed Brody, told RFI that he was in regular contact with the former president until nearly a year ago, when the junta cut off all communication.
‘Since the coup in July 2023, they have been confined to his former palace,’ Brody said. ‘Only a doctor is allowed to visit him twice a week.’
Bazoum and his wife have been isolated from the world, with their access to basic needs severely restricted, sparking concerns over their well-being.
A symbol of Niger’s political crisis
The military seized power in July 2023, deposing Bazoum in what was seen as a major blow to Niger’s democratic progress. In 2021, Bazoum had overseen the country’s first peaceful transfer of power since independence.
Jeffrey Smith, executive director of the advocacy group Vanguard Africa, described the situation as a direct attack on democracy.
‘For 550 days, unelected leaders have ruled over a once hopeful country, with no timetable for elections,’ Smith told RFI. ‘They have violently trampled on basic freedoms and imprisoned hundreds of citizens, chief among them the elected president of the country, Mohamed Bazoum.’
Niger’s shift from democracy
Since the coup, the junta has solidified its grip on power, refusing to announce any plans for elections. Instead, it has distanced Niger from regional and international alliances.
On January 29 2025, Niger is set to officially withdraw from the West African bloc ECOWAS, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso. The three nations have formed the Alliance of Sahel States, a move that raises concerns over economic stability and regional security.
US role in pressuring Niger’s junta
Supporters of the petition hope that the United States will exert diplomatic pressure on Niger’s ruling military.
‘As with any incoming administration, there will be policy changes,’ Smith noted. ‘It is important to maintain focus on building democratic resilience and countering the threat of authoritarianism.’
Bazoum’s lawyer, Reed Brody, pointed out that new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken about promoting democracy worldwide. He believes Bazoum’s case could be a test of this commitment.
‘While respecting Niger’s sovereignty, Bazoum was a strong advocate in the fight against terrorism,’ Brody told RFI. ‘I hope that Donald Trump and Marco Rubio will look at this man and say, “This is the kind of leader who should be free, not behind bars.”’
With Niger’s political future uncertain, the growing international pressure could play a crucial role in determining whether Bazoum will remain in detention—or regain his freedom.
