France Demands ‘Unconditional Release’ Of Ousted Niger President

France on Tuesday called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, who has been held captive for nearly a year following a coup.

Foreign Ministry spokesman, Christophe Lemoine condemned the conditions of Bazoum’s detention, describing them as “scandalous.”

He stated, “We have always condemned this detention; we still strongly condemn it and continue to call for his immediate and unconditional release.”

France expressed particular concern regarding the recent decision to lift Bazoum’s immunity from prosecution, fearing it could further deteriorate his detention conditions.

“Such a decision could have serious consequences for the conditions in which he is detained,” Lemoine added.

Bazoum, elected in 2021, was overthrown on July 26 last year by General Abdourahamane Tiani, head of his presidential guard.

Despite his ousting, Bazoum has refused to resign, continuing to assert his legitimacy as Niger’s rightful leader.

The ousted president faces accusations of plotting against state security and treason. The ruling military junta claims he planned an “armed intervention” to restore his presidency, allegedly coordinating with French President Emmanuel Macron and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Lemoine highlighted the negative impact of the junta’s decisions since Bazoum’s overthrow, including the severing of defence ties with France. “The decisions taken by the junta have had disastrous effects, with a resurgence in terrorist acts,” he noted.

In response to the coup, Niger’s ruling military had requested the withdrawal of French troops stationed in the country to combat jihadist threats by the end of 2023.

Furthermore, by mid-September this year, all US forces are also expected to have departed the country.