Free President Bazoum and Restore Democracy in Niger

The European Parliament’s resolution on 12 March 2026 says:

• A military coup on 26 July 2023 ended Niger’s constitution and created a junta.
• Since then, President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife have been held without lawyers, family visits or proper medical care, and no reliable updates on their health have been released for more than a year.
• The junta has removed Bazoum’s presidential immunity and plans to charge him with “high treason,” a crime that could carry the death penalty.
• The regime has cracked down on human‑rights defenders, opposition groups, civil society and the media, suspended the constitution, and threatened religious freedom.
• Jihadist attacks are worsening the security situation in Niger and the wider Sahel.
• Nearly 1 million people have been displaced and 3 million need humanitarian help, but aid is blocked after NGOs were dissolved and major international actors expelled.
• These events reflect a broader trend of democratic and human‑rights decline in the Sahel.

The resolution:

1. Condemns the arbitrary detention of President Bazoum, his wife and others, and demands their immediate release.
2. Notes that Niger has been an EU partner, but the coup has increased security risks, including trafficking and irregular migration.
3. Calls for the junta to restore democracy, re‑establish political parties and hold free, fair elections.
4. Urges continued EU humanitarian aid and basic services in conflict areas.
5. Expresses concern over Niger’s plan to leave the International Criminal Court and urges respect for international law.
6. Highlights the need for democratic legitimacy, accountable governance and human‑rights respect to address insecurity and protect civilians.
7. Requests the EU, African Union, ECOWAS and other partners to intensify diplomatic pressure for Bazoum’s release.
8. Directs the EU President to send this resolution to the Commission, Council, African Union, ECOWAS, Niger’s authorities and the Alliance of Sahel States.