The Economic Community of West African States expressed its disapproval of the Nigerien military authorities’ intention to prosecute former president Mohamed Bazoum.
According to Channels, ECOWAS highlighted that this stance contradicts the regime’s previously stated commitment to resolving the problem through peaceful means.
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.
In a statement on Monday, ECOWAS said it had learned of the threats “with stupefaction”.
“It represents yet another form of provocation and contradicts the reported willingness of the military authorities in the Republic of Niger to restore constitutional order through peaceful means,” the bloc said.
Since the coup, Bazoum, 63, and his family have been detained at the president’s official mansion, where there is growing worry about his living conditions.
