France Calls For Immediate Release Of Deposed Niger Leader

France Calls For Immediate Release Of Deposed Niger Leader

France has strongly urged for the immediate and unconditional release of Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained for nearly a year following a coup. The French Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Christophe Lemoine, condemned the conditions of Bazoum’s imprisonment as “scandalous……. CONTINUE READING 

“We have consistently condemned his detention and continue to strongly call for his immediate and unconditional release,” Lemoine emphasized.

France expressed particular concern over the recent decision to revoke Bazoum’s immunity from prosecution, fearing it could worsen his detention conditions. Lemoine warned that such a move could have grave consequences for Bazoum’s well-being.

Mohamed Bazoum, elected in 2021, was ousted on July 26 last year by General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of his presidential guard. Despite his removal, Bazoum has refused to step down, asserting his legitimacy as Niger’s rightful leader.

The ousted president faces charges of plotting against state security and treason, with the military junta alleging that he planned an armed intervention to reclaim power, allegedly with the support of French President Emmanuel Macron and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Lemoine also highlighted the negative impact of the junta’s decisions following Bazoum’s removal, including the severance of defense ties with France. “The junta’s actions have had disastrous consequences, leading to an increase in terrorist activities,” he remarked.

In response to the coup, Niger’s ruling military has requested the withdrawal of French troops deployed in the country to combat jihadist threats by the end of 2023. Additionally, all US forces are expected to leave Niger by mid-September this year.