Niger’s military council wants ousted president Bazoum to be tried for high treason | outside

Colonel Major Amadou Abderrahmane, a member of the regime, said, “The government of Niger has gathered evidence to prosecute the deposed president and his local and foreign associates before the appropriate national and international body for high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger.” In a statement broadcast on national television.

The government says it bases its accusations on exchanges between Bazoum and citizens, foreign heads of state, and officials of international organizations.

Regarding the ousted president, he called on the military council to “question the veracity of his claim that he is being held, even though the army did not control his presidential residence and still has all means of communication.”

The army claims that Bazoum receives regular visits from his doctor. They added, “After this visit, the doctor did not report any problems related to the health of the isolated president and his family members.”

According to one of Bazoum’s advisors, consultations took place on Saturday.

The coup plotters also denounced the “illegal, inhuman and degrading sanctions” imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday. Abderrahmane said the people of Niger are being severely tested by these sanctions, “which amount to depriving the country of medicine, food and energy supplies.”

As for those close to the toppled regime who have been arrested since the coup, the military council said they have reaffirmed their determination to “respect Niger’s human rights obligations.”