The military junta in Niger has announced a decision to prosecute the country’s toppled democratic leader, Mohamed Bazoum, on charges of high treason, a decision the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned.
The announcement was made on state television on Sunday night, by spokesman Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane. Col. Abdramane said the military regime had “gathered the necessary evidence to prosecute before competent national and international authorities the ousted president and his local and foreign accomplices for high treason and for undermining the internal and external security of Niger.”
Bazoum has been under house arrest with his wife and son in the presidential compound in the capital, Niamey, since he was removed by his presidential guard, led by its commander, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani .
Bazoum has been under house arrest with his wife and son in the presidential compound in the capital, Niamey, since he was removed by his presidential guard, led by its commander, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani .
People close to the president as well as those in his ruling party say their electricity and water have been cut off and they’re running out of food. The junta dismissed these claims Sunday and accused West African politicians and international partners of fuelling a campaign of disinformation to discredit the junta.
The decision to prosecute Bazoum has come as a surprise to many observers who say the junta may be walking on thin ice if it goes ahead with a trial at a time when a resolution with the regional bloc, ECOWAS, seems possible.
ECOWAS issued a statement describing the revision as “yet another form of provocation and contradicts the reported willingness of the military authorities in the Republic of Niger to restore constitutional order through peaceful means.”
The organisation reiterated its position that “president Bazoum remains the democratically-elected president of the Republic of Niger recognised by ECOWAS and the international community.”
International pressure is growing on the junta to release and reinstate Bazoum. Observers say a case against the ousted president would be a hard sell for now.
