The arbitrary detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by the junta in Niger

In this non-legislative resolution, Parliament strongly condemns the continued arbitrary detention of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife by the military junta that took power in Niger's 26 July 2023 coup, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release together with all others detained in the coup. It condemns the repression of political actors, journalists and civil society and calls on the Nigerien authorities to accelerate the restoration of democratic order, including reinstating political parties and organising free and fair elections. It expresses concern over Niger's announced intention to withdraw from the ICC and urges the authorities to uphold international law, and emphasises the importance of continued delivery of EU humanitarian aid amid a deteriorating security and humanitarian situation across the Sahel. Parliament calls on the VP/HR, the Member States, the African Union and the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure President Bazoum's release, and instructs its President to forward the resolution to the Commission, the Council, the VP/HR, the African Union, ECOWAS and the authorities of Niger and the Alliance of Sahel States.