Niger Junta charges ousted president Bazoum with ‘high treason’

The leaders of the military junta that staged a coup in Niger have revealed their plans to prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum on charges of high treason and compromising national security. The announcement was made through a statement issued by the junta’s spokesperson, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane.

Abdramane, speaking on national television, stated that Bazoum would face legal action for his alleged involvement in “high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger.” The junta’s spokesperson also addressed concerns of a misinformation campaign being orchestrated against them to disrupt negotiations and potentially justify foreign military intervention.

The coup, which occurred on July 26, led to the overthrow of the democratically elected President Bazoum. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responded to the coup by imposing sanctions on Niger and expressing the possibility of using force to restore constitutional order. ECOWAS has also initiated efforts to engage in dialogue with the junta to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

However, the junta’s decision to proceed with prosecuting Bazoum suggests that ongoing negotiations might not be producing the desired outcomes for resolution. Meanwhile, Bazoum, along with his wife and adult son, remains in detention at the presidential residence in Niamey.

The recent development follows a meeting between the junta and Islamic clerics and scholars from Nigeria, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue to resolve the political deadlock in Niger. Despite these diplomatic efforts, the prosecution move by the junta raises questions about the effectiveness of ongoing talks and the future of the country’s political landscape.