EU, Macron Urge Niger to Free Ousted President Bazoum

On the second anniversary of the coup that removed him from office, the European Union and French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday issued renewed appeals to Niger’s ruling military junta to release ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has now been detained for two full years.

Bazoum, along with his wife Hadiza, remains confined to a section of the presidential palace in Niamey and, according to his legal team, has not left the building since his detention.

Detention Timeline and Conditions

The military coup that ousted Bazoum occurred two years ago, and since then:

• He has remained under house arrest inside the presidential compound.
• His wife Hadiza is being held with him.
• He has not been permitted external contact or movement, according to lawyers.

Bazoum’s Detention

EU Condemnation and Offer for Dialogue

In a statement issued Saturday by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, the 27-member bloc expressed concern over Bazoum’s continued detention:

“The EU calls again for the release of these people who are being held for political reasons.”

While welcoming the recent release of some political prisoners, the EU reiterated that Bazoum’s detention was politically motivated and continued to undermine democratic norms.

The EU also signalled a willingness to reopen diplomatic channels:

“The EU remains available for a frank, honest, and structured dialogue with the Nigerien authorities based on mutual respect and shared interests.”

Macron’s Message of Support

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a personal message posted on Facebook, echoed the EU’s call and expressed his solidarity with the detained leader:

“Today, my thoughts are with Mohamed Bazoum, arbitrarily held for two years after the putsch which drove him from office.”

“I am also thinking of his wife Hadiza… I add my voice to all those calling for his release.”

Macron’s statement highlights France’s ongoing support for the restoration of democratic governance in Niger, a country of strategic importance in the Sahel region.

Legal and Political Uncertainty

Months after the coup, the junta announced its intention to try Bazoum for treason, accusing him of “plotting against the security and authority of the state.”

According to his legal team:

• If convicted of treason, Bazoum could face the death penalty.
• No formal case has been opened.
• Bazoum has not resigned and remains, in the eyes of many international bodies, the legitimate president.

International Pressure Mounts

Calls for Bazoum’s release come amid broader international concern about the state of democracy and rule of law in Niger, where the military junta has shown limited willingness to engage with external actors since taking power.

With no legal proceedings initiated and Bazoum still under indefinite detention, the EU and France—among others—continue to push for his immediate release, warning that the ongoing situation threatens regional stability and international partnerships.