EU, Macron Demand Release of Niger’s Detained President Bazoum

Two years after Niger’s elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, was ousted and detained by the military, calls for his release are growing louder — led by the European Union and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Bazoum, 65, has been held since July 2023 in a section of the presidential palace alongside his wife, Hadiza. According to his lawyers, the couple has not stepped outside the building since their detention began.

While Niger’s junta recently freed a number of political prisoners, the European Union said it “regretted” that Bazoum and others remained in custody.

“The EU calls again for the release of these people who are being held for political reasons,” said Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief diplomat, in a statement issued Saturday.

Macron echoed that demand in a separate message on Facebook.

“Today, my thoughts are with Mohamed Bazoum, arbitrarily held for two years after the putsch which drove him from office as president of Niger,” the French leader wrote.

“I am also thinking of his wife Hadiza, who is held with him and his loved ones. I add my voice to all those calling for his release,” he added.

Following the July 2023 coup, the military junta accused Bazoum of treason and conspiring against the state. Though Niger’s state court lifted his presidential immunity last year — a move that could pave the way for prosecution — no formal case has been brought forward.

His legal team has warned that a treason conviction could carry the death penalty.

Despite the impasse, the EU says it remains open to renewed engagement with the junta.

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