Threat to charge ousted Niger President Bazoum infuriates ECOWAS

Late on Sunday, the coup leaders who overthrew Bazoum announced that they had amassed sufficient evidence to bring charges against him for “high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger.”

The West African group ECOWAS on Monday denounced threats made by the military government of Niger to bring charges against ousted president Mohamed Bazoum, claiming that such threats were in direct opposition to the government’s stated desire to end the conflict amicably.

Late on Sunday, the coup leaders who overthrew Bazoum announced that they had amassed sufficient evidence to bring charges against him for “high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger.”

This was based on “contacts” Bazoum made with “nationals… foreign heads of state… (and) officials in international organisations,” according to the document.

ECOWAS said it learned of the threats “with stupefaction” in a statement on Monday.

The bloc claimed that the action “represents yet another provocation” and “contravenes the reported willingness of the military authorities in the Republic of Niger to restore constitutional order through peaceful means.”

Since the coup, Bazoum, 63, and his family have been detained at the president’s official mansion, raising concerns about his living conditions.