Niger: International Coalition Demands Release of Ousted President Mohamed Bazoum

Niamey, December 12, 2025 - An international coalition has called for the immediate release of Mohamed Bazoum, the Nigerien president overthrown in a military coup on July 26, 2023. The coalition sent an open letter to major international institutions, including the UN Secretary-General, and the presidents of the European Union, African Union, and ECOWAS Commissions. The letter, signed by over 150 figures, urges urgent action to secure Bazoum’s freedom.

Since the coup, Mohamed Bazoum and his wife have been detained at the presidential residence in Niamey, under conditions described as prolonged isolation with limited medical care and restricted outside contact.

Nicolas N’Diaye, former MP and secretary general of the Democratic League of Senegal, criticized the fact that Bazoum is being held near the current president, General Abdourahamane Tiani, calling it an attempt to use him as a human shield.

Bazoum’s children had previously appealed to the international community in a letter published on November 26. Elected in 2021, Mohamed Bazoum has never resigned.

The military junta, led by General Tiani, justified the coup by citing escalating jihadist attacks in Niger. The junta also announced plans to prosecute Bazoum for “conspiracy against state security” and “treason”, although no formal legal proceedings have yet been initiated.