In a significant ruling on Friday, the court representing the West African bloc, ECOWAS, has mandated the prompt release of Niger’s former President, Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained since a coup on July 26.
The court, based in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, decreed Bazoum’s “immediate and unconditional release” along with an order for his reinstatement to the presidency.
Emphasizing Bazoum as the legitimate representative of Niger, the court’s decision asserted the violation of constitutional rights amid the detainment of Bazoum, who has been held alongside his family in the presidential residence since his ousting.
However, the response from Niger’s military rulers to this court order remains pending, raising uncertainty over compliance. Past instances have seen some member states disregard ECOWAS court rulings.
Following his deposition, Bazoum had petitioned the ECOWAS Court of Justice in mid-September, seeking both his release and the restoration of constitutional order in Niger.
Bazoum’s legal representatives underscored the irrevocability of the court’s decisions and highlighted the significance of upholding ECOWAS’ constitutional principles.
The court’s directive comes amid ECOWAS’ suspension of Niger from its decision-making bodies until constitutional order is reestablished. Dialogue has been reinitiated between ECOWAS and the military regime in Niger, with recent statements from Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey indicating an agreement on the transition back to civilian rule, albeit without divulging specific details or timelines.
Efforts toward transition appear to be progressing, with plans outlined for high-level discussions involving Togolese and Sierra Leonean counterparts in Niamey.
The gradual easing of ECOWAS sanctions against Niger is contingent upon a swift return to civilian governance.
General Abdourahamane Tiani, heading the military regime, had earlier suggested a transition period of up to three years, subject to an inclusive national dialogue.
The details of this transition, its timeline, and the modalities for returning to civilian rule are expected to be delineated in the forthcoming negotiations between the heads of state and the Nigerien military regime.