Niger: Opposition figure urges EU to respect national dialogue on Bazoum release
By: Zagazola Makama
Oumar Moctar Alansary, a founding member of the Democratic and Republican Renewal Party (RDR Tchanji), has called on the European Union and the European Parliament to exercise restraint over the situation of former Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, emphasizing that the issue should be resolved internally through national dialogue and consensus.
In a statement Alansary described Bazoum’s detention, following the July 26, 2023 coup, as primarily a matter for Nigerien authorities to address. He stressed that a peaceful solution could strengthen national cohesion, preserve the dignity of all actors, and allow the country to focus on urgent security challenges.
Alansary noted that Bazoum’s constitutional term is set to end on April 2, 2026, and said that the Refoundation authorities might adopt a cautious approach to an immediate release due to the former president’s refusal to resign and ongoing debates over the legitimacy of his election. He added that these political tensions, stemming from Bazoum’s electoral victory, have contributed to institutional instability in Niger.
“Support for endogenous solutions, through inclusive national dialogue involving all political and social stakeholders, would be a more constructive contribution to resolving the crisis,” Alansary said.
He also criticized the near-unanimous vote by the European Parliament on March 12, 2026, demanding Bazoum’s immediate release, noting that internal EU issues such as migration, financial planning, and Ukraine support remain highly divisive among member states.
Alansary urged international partners to back Niger’s internal political processes without prescribing solutions, emphasizing the need for national unity, effective sovereignty, and homegrown solutions amid regional security threats and growing aspirations of Sahelian populations for self-determination.
The RDR Tchanji, a party that had raised concerns over irregularities in Bazoum’s election, continues to advocate for dialogue and consensus as the preferred path to resolving Niger’s political crisis.
Tension as soldiers clash with security personnel at Zamfara police headquarters
Gusau (Zamfara State), March 14, 2026 (NAN) – Tension briefly erupted at the entrance of the Zamfara State Police Headquarters in Gusau after a group of soldiers reportedly confronted security personnel on duty following a disagreement that began at a nearby market.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:45 p.m. on March 13 when about 20 soldiers allegedly moved toward the main gate of the Zamfara State Police Command headquarters in Gusau.
According to the sources, the confrontation was linked to a misunderstanding involving a visiting personnel of the Police Mobile Force that reportedly started earlier at Mami Market, located close to the police headquarters.
The sources said the arrival of additional security personnel at the main gate discouraged further escalation, forcing the soldiers to withdraw from the area.
During the confusion, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, identified as Hamman Titus, attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit Base 18 in Gusau, sustained minor injuries to his hand.
Authorities said the situation was quickly brought under control and normalcy has since been restored in the area.
Military authorities have been contacted to facilitate a joint investigation aimed at resolving the misunderstanding and preventing a recurrence of the incident.
