In Niger, the military junta that took control has announced its plans to prosecute former President Mohamed Bazoum for “high treason” and undermining state security. This comes shortly after the junta expressed openness to dialogue with West African nations to address the regional crisis.
If convicted, Bazoum could face the death penalty in accordance with Niger’s penal code.
A spokesperson for the junta, Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, stated on state television that the necessary evidence has been gathered to prosecute the ousted president and his accomplices, both local and foreign, before competent national and international authorities.
The announcement regarding Bazoum’s charges is linked to his post-coup interactions with high-ranking West African politicians and their international supporters, who the coup leaders accuse of spreading false allegations to hinder a peaceful transition and justify military intervention.
The specific foreign nations involved were not identified, and no trial date for Niger’s democratically elected president has been specified.
However, some residents of the capital, Niamey, believe in Bazoum’s guilt. One resident, Assan Zakite, stated, “Crimes for high treason is really what he deserves because this man betrayed Niger by stealing all of Niger’s resources.”
Niger, an impoverished country in Africa’s Sahel region, has been a key partner for Western nations in combating a jihadi insurgency linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Prior to the coup, significant financial support was provided by Europe and the United States to strengthen the country’s military.
President Bazoum was ousted on July 26 by members of the presidential guard and has been placed under house arrest in Niamey with his family.
The junta has faced international pressure to release and reinstate Bazoum, with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) demanding his return to power within seven days. However, no actions were taken by either side when the deadline expired.
ECOWAS has criticized the junta’s treason charges against Bazoum, considering them provocative and contradictory to the reported willingness to restore constitutional order peacefully.
ECOWAS had previously ordered the deployment of a “standby” force, but the timing and implementation in Niger remains uncertain. The African Union Peace and Security Council is currently discussing the crisis and has the authority to overrule ECOWAS if intervention risks broader peace and security on the continent.
Concerns have been raised by human rights groups regarding Bazoum’s fair trial, as the junta’s newly appointed justice minister is the former president of the country’s military tribunal.
The junta recently formed a 21-person Cabinet comprising civilians and military officers, but the situation in Niger remains uncertain due to conflicting messages and mixed signals from those claiming to govern the country.
While initially, a member of the junta’s communication team stated their approval for talks with ECOWAS, a later statement emerged accusing international organizations and West African politicians of spreading disinformation to discredit the junta.
The possibility of military mobilization outside Niger continues to be discussed, with Senegal’s security forces reportedly ordering a regrouping for an ECOWAS mission in Niger.
Jihadi violence has not been quelled by the military takeover, as demonstrated by recent ambushes on Nigerien security forces carried out by fighters believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State group. This violence is a result of the suspension of military operations against extremist groups since the coup.
Jihadi groups had previously engaged in communications and dialogue with the Bazoum administration, initiatives that have ceased under the military regime.
Former jihadi fighters have celebrated the chaos caused by the coup and the resulting increased freedom of movement for themselves. There are concerns that the security gap created by the coup will allow for further attacks.
It is crucial to closely monitor the ongoing negotiations between the junta and ECOWAS to determine the sincerity of the junta’s intentions and the potential outcomes.
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