| Submit your comments on this article |
| Africa North |
| Niger: West African court orders Mohamed Bazoum's ''immediate'' release |
| 2023-12-16 |
| [AFRICANEWS] The Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) on Friday ordered the "immediate" release of Mohammed Bazoum, Niger's president who has been held captive since the coup that overthrew him on July 26, and that of his family. The Court "orders the defendant (the military authorities in Niamey, editor's note) to release all the applicants immediately and unconditionally", said the judge, who deliberated in Abuja. "The defendant has violated their right not to be arbitrarily detained", he declared. The Court also asked that Mohammed Bazoum be reinstated in his position. "It is Mohammed Bazoum who represents the State of Niger", he "remains President of the Republic", the judge assured. "There are constitutional rights that have been violated", as well as "political rights", he said. Mohammed Bazoum has been sequestered in his presidential residence with his wife Haziza and their son Salem, since he was tossed by a coup d'état on July 26. In mid-September, the deposed president appealed to the Ecowas Court of Justice for his release and the restoration of constitutional order in the country. The application filed by his lawyers cited the "arbitrary arrest" and "violation of the freedom of movement" of Mr. Bazoum, his wife, and their son. Related: Economic Community of West African States: 2023-12-10 Niger: General Abdourahamane Tiani on official visit to Togo Economic Community of West African States: 2023-12-04 Nigeria calls for Niger Junta to free ousted president Mohamed Bazoum Economic Community of West African States: 2023-11-30 Niger: ECOWAS set to rule on complaint over Mohamed Bazoum's detention Related: Mohammed Bazoum: 2023-12-10 Niger: General Abdourahamane Tiani on official visit to Togo Mohammed Bazoum: 2023-12-06 Niger ends 2 EU security missions Mohammed Bazoum: 2023-12-04 Nigeria calls for Niger Junta to free ousted president Mohamed Bazoum |
| Posted by:Fred |