The European Parliament, meeting in plenary session in Strasbourg, adopted a resolution on March 12 concerning the situation of Niger's ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Following a military coup on July 26, 2023, Bazoum has been detained along with his wife at the presidential residence in Niamey. In an overwhelming vote of 524 to 2, with 29 abstentions, the Parliament condemned what it termed the 'arbitrary detention' of the Bazoums, emphasizing the need for their immediate and unconditional release along with that of all those imprisoned in the aftermath of the coup.

In addition to calling for their release, the resolution reflects broader concerns over the political stability in Niger post-coup. Although Bazoum's immunity was lifted in June 2024, no legal actions have been initiated against him to date, raising questions about the legitimacy of his ongoing detention. The resolution was driven by five political groups within the European Parliament, accentuating the urgent need for action in light of deteriorating human rights conditions in Niger.

This appeal by the European Parliament aligns with ongoing international scrutiny of the political situation in Niger and the implications of military rule for democracy in the region. The international community's response could influence not only the immediate context for Bazoum and his associates but also the future of democratic governance in Niger amidst growing instability in the Sahel region.