Ousted President of Niger to be Tried for Treason

The military officials who seized power in Niger plan to charge ousted President Mohamed Bazoum with treason, following the coup that removed him from office at the end of July. This was reported by Kommersant.

Colonel Amadou Abdramane stated on national television that evidence had been gathered which would be used before "competent national and international authorities to hold the deposed president and his local and foreign associates criminally accountable for state treason and for undermining Niger's internal and external security," according to AFP.

Since the day of the coup, Bazoum has been held at his residence with his wife and son. The military, however, insists that they have not taken over the residence, and that the state leader is free to communicate with the outside world. They claim that Bazoum has been regularly visited by his doctor. According to Abdramane, no health issues have been identified.

The colonel also criticized the sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He believes that the sanctions have severely affected the population, resulting in a loss of medication, food, and electricity.

The coup in Niger took place on the night of July 27. ECOWAS is preparing for military intervention. The insurgents have stated that they will kill Mohamed Bazoum if forces invade.