Niger’s mutinous soldiers have recently announced that they will prosecute former President Mohamed Bazoum for “high treason” and undermining state security. This comes just hours after the junta expressed their willingness to engage in dialogue with West African nations to address the escalating regional crisis. The soldiers claim to have gathered the necessary evidence to prosecute Bazoum and his alleged accomplices, both domestic and foreign, for the aforementioned charges. If found guilty, Bazoum could potentially face the death penalty. The specific trial date and the identities of the Western countries involved were not disclosed in the announcement. Bazoum, who was democratically elected as Niger’s president, was overthrown by members of his own presidential guard on July 26 and has been under house arrest in Niamey, along with his wife and son, since then. There have been reports suggesting that the family’s basic amenities, such as electricity and water, have been cut off and they are running out of food. However, the junta has dismissed these reports as part of a disinformation campaign orchestrated by West African politicians and international partners to discredit the regime. Pressure is mounting on the junta to release and reinstate Bazoum, with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) warning of potential military action if their demands are not met. While ECOWAS had set a deadline for the regime to return Bazoum to power, no action has been taken by either party thus far. The African Union Peace and Security Council is meeting to address Niger’s crisis and may overrule ECOWAS’ decision if it believes that the intervention would pose a threat to peace and security on the continent. The junta initially indicated their willingness to engage in talks with ECOWAS, but it remains to be seen how serious these negotiations will be. Aneliese Bernard, a former US State Department official specializing in African affairs, cautions against assuming that the junta will be fully committed to meaningful dialogue.
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