NIger: Niger’s military Junta has said it will prosecute the country’s democratically elected President Mr. Mohamed Bazoum, for treason. This comes after a group of senior Islamic scholars stated that the nation’s coup leaders were open to diplomacy to resolve their standoff with West Africa’s regional bloc.
The military has allegedly charged Mr. Bazoum with “high treason and undermining the internal and external security” of the country. The 63-year-old politician and his family have been at the president’s official residence in Niamey since the coup on 26th July 2023. Many officials expressed their concern over the health of Mr. Bazoum following dreadful reports of his house arrest.
The spokesman for Niger’s military, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, has revealed that the deposed President saw a doctor dismissing concerns.
“After this visit, the doctor raised no problems regarding the state of health of the deposed president and members of his family,” the spokesman remarked.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has demanded the reinstatement of Mr. Bazoum and the restoration of civilian rule since last week.
Nigerian Islamic scholars had a discussion with Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane regarding the ECOWAS negotiation talks. The Colonel has reportedly agreed to set up a direct discussion with the leaders of ECOWAS.
The prospect of a military intervention to reinstate Mr. Bazoum has divided ECOWAS members and drawn warnings from foreign powers, including Russia and Algeria, as per the statement.
Over 2,500 military personnel from the United States and France are present in the area. Alongside various European nations, they have contributed hundreds of millions of dollars towards military support and training for Niger’s forces.
TOP PICKS | US orders partial evacuation of embassy in Niger following coup
