In a groundbreaking decision, the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has emphatically called for the immediate release of Niger's President, Mohamed Bazoum, along with his family. The gripping ruling comes months after he was forcibly ousted in a coup on July 26.
From the judicial chambers in Abuja, the judge declared, "The defendant, the military authorities in Niamey, must release all the applicants immediately and unconditionally." The court asserted that the detainment violated their fundamental right not to be arbitrarily held.
Echoing a call for justice, the judge emphasized the restoration of constitutional order, urging that Mohamed Bazoum be reinstated to his rightful position as the President of the Republic. The court underscored Bazoum's integral role as the representative of the State of Niger.
Highlighting constitutional and political rights violations, the judge stated, "There are constitutional rights that have been violated, as well as political rights." The ruling marks a pivotal moment in the quest for justice, affirming that Mohamed Bazoum remains the legitimate head of the nation.
Since the coup, Bazoum, along with his wife Haziza and their son Salem, has been confined to his presidential residence. The legal battle culminated in mid-September when the ousted president sought relief from the Ecowas Court of Justice.
The application highlighted the "arbitrary arrest" and "violation of the freedom of movement" of Bazoum and his family.
As the Ecowas Court's verdict reverberates, there is newfound hope for the restoration of democratic order and the release of a leader unjustly detained.