Niger to Charge Former President With Treason

Deposed Niger president Mohamed Bazoum faces charges of treason, according to the military junta who have taken charge of the country.

A spokesperson for Niger’s ruling military force read a statement on national television on Sunday evening, 13 August, announcing that the junta intends to prosecute “the deposed president and his local and foreign accomplices for high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger”.

The military overthrew Bazoum three weeks ago at the end of July, claiming that they took action due to “the continuing deterioration of the security situation, and poor economic and social governance” within the West African country.

According to reports, the 63-year-old former president, his wife and his son are currently being held in the basement of his palace in the country’s capital city, Niamey.

While there were some concerns about his health, Bazoum’s doctor – who visited him on Saturday, 12 August – has revealed to the press that he is in “good spirits” despite being held in “difficult” conditions.

The Economic Community of West African States have called for the release of the former president and demanded that he be reinstated, threatening military intervention if civilian rule is not restored.

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