Deposed President Bazoum could face high treason charges, says Niger junta

The Abdourahmane Tchiani-led junta that truncated civilian rule in Niger in July has hinted that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum could be prosecuted for high treason.

Colonel Amadou Abdramane, a spokesperson for the junta, said on state TV that it had “assembled the necessary elements to prosecute the ousted president … for high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger.”

The latest development follows a meeting the junta had with a delegation of Islamic scholars from Nigeria to discuss ways to end the face-off with the regional ECOWAS bloc.

Their visit comes as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) explores its options to reinstate civilian rule in Niger, including the potential use of military force, after the July 26 ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum.

Mr. Bazoum and his family, including some of his close allies, are still under house arrest since the junta took over last month.

The United Nations, the African Union, the European Union among others have expressed concerns over the state of health of the deposed leader and his relatives.

Bazoum and his family, according to reports, had been deprived of food, electricity and medical care for several days.

His doctor also confirmed that he has lost some ‘worrying’ amount of weight but remains in good spirits despite being kept in difficult conditions.