Faith Nyasuguta
The Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) issued a decisive ruling on Friday, commanding the “immediate” release of Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, who has been in captivity since the coup that ousted him on July 26. The court further extended this directive to include his family.
The judge, deliberating in Abuja, sternly stated, “The defendant (referring to the military authorities in Niamey) must release all the applicants immediately and unconditionally.”
Emphasizing the violation of their right against arbitrary detention, the judge underscored the imperative nature of this release.
Moreover, the Court demanded the restoration of Mohamed Bazoum to his presidential position. Affirming that Bazoum represents the State of Niger and remains the President of the Republic, the judge highlighted the violation of constitutional and political rights.
Since the coup d’état in July, Mohamed Bazoum, along with his wife Haziza and their son Salem, has been confined to his presidential residence.
In September, Bazoum appealed to the Ecowas Court of Justice, citing “arbitrary arrest” and the “violation of freedom of movement” as grounds for his release and the reinstatement of constitutional order in Niger.
This ruling marks a significant development in the quest for justice and the restoration of democratic norms in the country.
Since July 30, Ecowas had been threatening the coup plotters with military intervention to restore constitutional order.
It had announced that the day and modalities of the operation had been decided, prioritizing diplomatic channels, but it remained relatively silent, despite the support of several Western countries.
In September, the European Union (EU) reiterated its “support for the position of Ecowas”, once again calling for “the immediate and unconditional release of President Bazoum and his family“, and “did not recognize the authorities resulting from the putsch”, Nabila Massrali, spokeswoman for EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, told AFP.
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