Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a strong appeal to the authorities in Niger, demanding the immediate release of the country’s ousted former president, Mohamed Bazoum. Bazoum has been under arrest since a military coup two years ago. HRW's statement highlights what it considers a significant breach of international human rights obligations by Niger's ruling military junta.

The rights organization elaborated that Bazoum’s continued detention is not only a personal injustice but also a broader indicator of the deteriorating state of democracy and political freedoms in the region. Illaria Allegrozzi, a senior researcher at HRW, criticized the junta's actions, stating, "Niger’s military junta demonstrates its contempt for the rule of law every day it detains former President Bazoum and his wife. His politically motivated detention and prosecution discredit any junta claims to a more democratic Niger."

HRW also pointed to the junta’s pattern of suppressing dissent more broadly, including crackdowns on political opposition, peaceful protests, and independent media outlets. They argue that these actions collectively undermine the rule of law and democratic governance in Niger.

The legal charges against Bazoum include high treason and conspiracy to undermine state security, claims that have been used by the junta to justify his detention on grounds of national sovereignty. Justice Minister Aliyou Daouada has been firm, stating in April that Bazoum’s detention is a matter solely for Niger to resolve.

Despite this stance, international pressure is mounting. The Community Court of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had already ruled in December 2023 that Bazoum’s detention was arbitrary and ordered his release. However, Niger withdrew from ECOWAS in November 2025, complicating regional efforts to enforce the court’s decision.

Moreover, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has also called for Bazoum's release earlier this year, a stance reinforced by international legal standards, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights—both of which Niger has ratified.

These documents mandate the protection of individuals from arbitrary arrest and ensure rights to a fair trial, provisions that HRW argues are being violated in Bazoum’s prolonged detention without sufficient legal justification.

The international community watches closely as Niger faces potential legal consequences, including sanctions, for non-compliance with international human rights obligations. The situation poses a significant test for Niger's commitments to international laws and norms, especially at a time when the rule of law appears to be under significant strain within the country.