Mohamed Bazoum, the overthrown president of Niger, must be released from custody immediately after a coup on July 26, the West African court known as ECOWAS said on Friday.
The judge in the case hearing in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, ordered Bazoum’s “immediate and unconditional release” and his reinstatement.
Currently, Niger is not allowed to participate in the Economic Community of West African States. In the past, several member states have disregarded ECOWAS court decisions.
“The state of Niger is represented by Mohamed Bazoum. He continues to serve as the republic’s president, the court decided.
“Rights guaranteed by the Constitution have been violated.”
Since his downfall, Bazoum has lived in his presidential mansion with his spouse and their kid.
The overthrown president filed an appeal with the ECOWAS Court of Justice in mid-September, hoping for both his freedom and the reinstatement of the nation’s constitutional order.