Niger’s Former President Bazoum Remains at Centre of Political Debate Over Detention

NIAMEY, Niger — The detention of former President Mohamed Bazoum continues to generate political and legal controversy in Niger, nearly three years after the military takeover that removed him from power.

Bazoum and his wife, Hadiza, remain detained under the authority of Niger’s military-led government. In July, lawyers representing the former president renewed calls for his release, arguing that the couple had not been brought before a magistrate or informed of formal proceedings against them.

The dispute has become one of the most sensitive issues surrounding Niger’s political transition. Military authorities have previously said Bazoum would face legal proceedings, while international and legal voices have repeatedly raised concerns about his detention.

Niger is now operating under a five-year transitional framework introduced after the military takeover. General Abdourahamane Tchiani was sworn in as transitional president in March 2025 under a new charter that replaced the previous constitutional framework.

The continuing Bazoum case therefore remains closely connected to wider questions about Niger’s political future, judicial independence and eventual return to constitutional governance.

The former president’s status is expected to remain an important issue in Niger’s political debate as the transition continues.