A regional court in West Africa has ruled that the detention of Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, was arbitrary and ordered his immediate release. The decision adds a new layer of complexity to the country’s ongoing political crisis, raising hopes for a peaceful resolution but also leaving questions about the military government’s next move.

Bazoum was removed from power in July by members of his own presidential guard and has been confined to his home ever since. The coup sparked widespread condemnation and international pressure for a swift return to democratic rule. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional political and economic bloc, imposed sanctions on Niger in response to the coup.

On Friday, the ECOWAS Court of Justice, sitting in Abuja, Nigeria, ruled that Bazoum’s detention was unlawful. Judge Gberi-Be Ouattara ordered his immediate and unconditional release, calling for the restoration of constitutional order through Bazoum’s reinstatement as president.

The ruling was met with jubilation by Bazoum’s supporters, who see it as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. However, the military government, which has not yet commented publicly on the decision, faces a difficult choice. It can comply with the court order and potentially pave the way for a peaceful transition back to civilian rule, or it can defy the ruling and risk further international isolation and sanctions.

The situation in Niger remains fluid, and it is too early to say how the court’s decision will ultimately play out. However, it is clear that the ruling has injected fresh momentum into the push for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether Niger can find its way back to democracy or whether the country will remain mired in political uncertainty.

The implications of the court’s decision extend beyond Niger’s borders. The ruling could set a precedent for how regional courts handle similar cases in the future. It could also have a ripple effect on the broader political landscape in West Africa, where a number of countries have faced democratic challenges in recent years.

Only time will tell what the long-term impact of the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s decision will be. However, there is no doubt that it is a significant development that has the potential to shape the future of Niger and the region.