On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on human rights issues in Niger.
Parliament strongly condemns the military coup of 26th July 2023 and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Niger’s democratically elected president Mohammed Bazoum, his family, and all those under arbitrary detention. Charges must be dropped and MEPs demand his reinstatement as the democratically elected President of the Republic, as well as the restoration of Niger’s constitutional order.
While urging Niger’s military junta to uphold human rights and guarantee freedom of expression and media freedom, MEPs want member states to implement sanctions against its leaders. They welcome the suspension of budget support and security cooperation, as well as the economic sanctions imposed by the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), while continuing humanitarian assistance.
The resolution expresses concerns around the security and human rights situation in Niger and the region and considers the threats to regional stability and democracy as stemming from terrorism and Russia’s attempts to increase its presence in the Sahel.
The text was adopted by show of hands.
