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On Monday, the West African bloc ECOWAS strongly condemned the threats made by Niger’s military rulers to prosecute the deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum. ECOWAS highlighted that such actions are in direct contradiction to the regime’s previously stated commitment to peacefully resolving the ongoing crisis.
The coup leaders responsible for the overthrow of Bazoum claimed late Sunday that they had compiled evidence that could be used to charge Bazoum with “high treason and the subversion of both internal and external security in Niger.”
They allege that this evidence is rooted in Bazoum’s various interactions with “citizens, foreign heads of state, and officials within international organizations.”
In a statement released on Monday, ECOWAS expressed its astonishment upon learning about these threats.
ECOWAS stated, “This development is yet another provocative act, contradicting the reported commitment of the military authorities in the Republic of Niger to reinstate constitutional order through peaceful measures.”
Bazoum, aged 63, along with his family, has been confined to the president’s official residence since the coup. There is growing international concern regarding the conditions under which he is being held in detention.
