By John Ikani
It has been approximately 7 months since Mohammed Bazoum, the former president of Niger was overthrown in a July 26 coup and immediately detained by putschists led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the commander of the presidential guard at the time.
Tchiani, later declared himself the leader of the new military junta after detaining Bazoum.
Since his ouster and detention, Bazoum who the putschists said was overthrown “for mismanaging Niger’s economy and security,” has largely remained out of public view. Only a few photos of him have been circulated since the coup.
Two Known Visits & Threat Of Treason Charge
Chad’s transitional president, Mahamat Idriss Deby, was the first notable figure to meet with the detained Bazoum on July 31 in Niger’s capital, Niamey. He expressed that the purpose of the meeting was to seek a peaceful resolution to the leadership crisis in Niger. Deby did not give details, but his office released a photo of him sitting next to a smiling Bazoum.
On August 12, Bazoom’s doctor reported on August 12th that the former leader, though in good spirits, had lost a significant amount of weight. Hours later on Augst 13, the junta said it would prosecute the deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, for “high treason” and undermining state security, as concerns were raised about the detention conditions and health of Bazoum and his family.
Nearly a week later, on August 19, a delegation from the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS met with the deposed leader in Niamey. The delegation was permitted to engage in discussions with Bazoum, but only in the presence of Ali Lamine Zayn, who was appointed as Niger’s Prime Minister by the Junta weeks earlier on August 8.
Confined In Palace Basement?
According to reports, Bazoum his wife, and their son were held in the basement of the presidential palace in Niamey. The ousted president has solely communicated with the public through his legal representatives.
On September 18, his Senegalese lawyer, Seydou Diang, conveyed that Bazum had petitioned the government to an ECOWAS court, seeking his release from detention by the ruling junta, asserting his rights had been infringed upon.
International Pressure
Thereafter, not much news was heard about Bazoum until October 9 when the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, disclosed that he had a phone conversation with the deposed President. The United States demanded that Bazoum and his family be released right away.
Did you know that the Junta on October 20th, announced they had prevented Bazoum from escaping custody? They claimed Bazoum had tried to leave the country by air, accompanied by his family, cooks, and security personnel.
On November 23rd, the European Parliament passed a resolution denouncing Bazoum’s detention as illegal. The resolution demanded “the prompt and unconditional release of Niger’s democratically elected president, Mahmoud Bazoum, along with his family and all arbitrarily detained individuals.” In addition, the Parliament urged for Bazoum’s reinstatement to his rightful position.
On its part, the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had long condemned the coup and called for Bazoum’s release. ECOWAS even imposed sanctions on Niger which were lifted for humanitarian reasons.
Court Ruling
In December 2023, the ECOWAS Court of Justice presided by Gberi-Be Ouattara ordered the junta to immediately release Bazoum and reinstate him as president.
The Court of Justice is the regional bloc’s main judicial body. The court’s decisions are not subject to appeal. They are binding on all ECOWAS institutions, including the Conference of Heads of State, Parliament and Commission, and on all national courts of member nations.
However, Niger’s recent withdrawal from the regional bloc rules out the possibility of adherence to the December 15 court ruling. Notwithstanding, Bazoum’s legal team say it adds pressure.
READ ALSO: Where Is Niger’s Mohammed Bazoum?
“It’s a stunning judicial victory for democracy and the rule of law,” Reed Brody, an American human rights lawyer on Bazoum’s legal team, told newsmen. “It gives legal ammunition to those pressing for his full restoration.”
Current Situation
Despite the court ruling and international pressure, the junta has not released Bazoum. His wife and son were released provisionally On January 9, 2024, however, his release remains uncertain.
The ousted leader insists he remains Niger’s rightful president, while the military, led by General Tchiani maintains that it will transfer authority back to civilian control within three years.
