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ABIDJAN, July 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Human Rights Watch on Wednesday urged Niger's ruling junta to release Mohamed Bazoum, the president the military authorities overturned and detained on July 26, 2023.

Bazoum has been held, along with his wife Hadiza, in a wing of the presidential palace and according to his lawyers has not left the building in that time.

Elected in 2021, he has not resigned.

"Authorities in Niger should immediately release former President Mohamed Bazoum, who remains arbitrarily detained two years after he was ousted in a military coup," Human Rights Watch said in a statement.

"Niger's military junta demonstrates its contempt for the rule of law every day it detains former President Bazoum and his wife," said Ilaria Allegrozzi, HRW's senior Sahel researcher. 

Months after the coup the junta said it intended to pursue Bazoum, accusing him of "plotting against the security and authority of the state" as well as "treason."

Bazoum's lawyers say the latter charge could earn him the death penalty.
In June last year Niger's state court, set up by the regime, lifted Bazoum's presidential immunity, which would open the path to a trial.

To date, however, no case has been opened against the former president. 
His lawyers have initiated several proceedings before international bodies, notably before the Court of Justice of ECOWAS -- the regional bloc Niger has now left -- and also the UN.

Both found his detention to be arbitrary and demanded his release.
"The abuses against Bazoum are emblematic of a military junta that has cracked down on the political opposition, peaceful dissent and the media, and that appears to intend to solidify its power, delaying a transition to civilian rule and credible, free, and fair elections," Human Rights Watch said.