The Niger junta has declared that it will bring high treason charges against former president Mohamed Bazoum for his communications with foreign leaders and international organizations.
The United States, the United Nations, and the leaders of West Africa all disapproved of the move, stating that it demonstrates the junta’s unwillingness to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Colonel Amadou Abdramane, a spokesman for the junta, issued a statement late on Sunday, saying that the military authorities had gathered the evidence to “prosecute the deposed president… for high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger.”
Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the United Nations, described the attempt to press charges against Bazoum as “very concerning” and repeated calls for the president’s immediate release.
The ECOWAS condemned the action as provocative.
The international community and the regional bloc ECOWAS in West Africa have both condemned the coup leaders for their actions in imprisoning Bazoum and dissolving the elected government. The leaders of ECOWAS decided last week to assemble a military force in case diplomatic efforts fail.