NIGER JUNTA THREATENS TO PROSECUTE BAZOUM FOR ‘HIGH TREASON’

August 14, 2023

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Niger Junta has threatened to prosecute ousted President Mohamed Bazoum for alleged treason and security risk in the West African country.

This was made known by a statement by the junta’s spokesperson Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, read on national television late Sunday, RFI said.

The former leader, according to Abdramane, will face charges “for high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger.”

A propaganda campaign against the putschists, according to the junta spokesperson, is underway to “derail any negotiated solution to the crisis in order to justify military intervention… in the name of Ecowas.”

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions on Niger in response to the coup and has not ruled out using force against the army officers who toppled the democratically elected Bazoum on 26 July.

Last Thursday, the regional bloc approved the deployment of a “standby force to restore constitutional order” in Niger as soon as possible.

It, however, added that it remains committed to finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

Bazoum, his wife, and adult son have been held at the president’s official Niamey residence since the coup, with international concern mounting over their conditions in detention.