Niger’s Mutinous Soldiers Announce Prosecution of Former President for “High Treason”
NIAMEY, Niger – In a shocking turn of events, Niger’s mutinous soldiers have announced that they will prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for “high treason” and undermining state security. The soldiers made this announcement just hours after expressing their willingness to engage in dialogue with West African nations to resolve the mounting regional crisis.
According to Niger’s penal code, if found guilty, Bazoum could potentially face the death penalty. Spokesman Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane revealed on state television Sunday night that the necessary evidence to prosecute the ousted president, as well as his local and foreign accomplices, had been gathered. These charges have been levied against Bazoum for allegedly engaging in exchanges with high-ranking West African politicians and their “international mentors.”
The military junta’s statement did not identify which specific Western countries were implicated nor did it provide a date for the trial. Bazoum, who was democratically elected as Niger’s president, was forcibly removed from power on July 26 by members of his presidential guard and has since been under house arrest with his wife and son at the presidential compound in the capital city of Niamey.
Reports from individuals close to the president and his ruling party indicate that their electricity and water have been disconnected, and they are running out of food. However, the junta has dismissed these claims, accusing West African politicians and international partners of fueling a disinformation campaign to discredit the military regime.
The international community has been increasingly pressuring the junta to release and reinstate Bazoum. Following the coup, the West African regional bloc ECOWAS issued a seven-day ultimatum for the regime to restore the former president to power or face military intervention. However, the deadline passed without any action from either side. Last week, ECOWAS ordered the deployment of a “standby” force, although it remains uncertain when or if they will enter Niger. The African Union Peace and Security Council is convening on Monday to discuss the crisis and may overrule ECOWAS’s decision if they deem that broader peace and security on the continent are at risk.
As negotiations are discussed, military mobilization continues. In a memo seen by The Associated Press, Senegal’s security forces ordered a “regroupment” from bases in Senegal as part of their contribution to the ECOWAS mission in Niger.
While the apparent openness to dialogue may be a result of ECOWAS’s pressure, experts caution against assuming it will yield significant results. Aneliese Bernard, a former U.S. State Department official and director of Strategic Stabilization Advisors, warns that the junta’s engagement with talks does not guarantee genuine commitment.
Amidst the uncertain situation, jihadi violence is on the rise. Western nations had considered Niger as a crucial partner in combating the growing jihadi violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group across the Sahel region. However, since the coup, France, the United States, and other European countries have suspended military operations. On Sunday, Nigerien security forces were ambushed by suspected Islamic State group fighters, adding to the growing concern.
As the conflict enters a new phase with jihadist groups attempting to consolidate power, it is clear that the suspended military operations have played a significant role. The halting of cooperation and dialogue attempts established under Bazoum has resulted in greater freedom of movement for jihadi groups.
Boubacar Moussa, a former jihadi, has received reports from active jihadis celebrating the chaos and exploiting the security gap. It remains uncertain whether the nationwide program encouraging jihadi fighters to defect and reintegrate into society will continue under the military regime. Observers believe that if the situation further deteriorates, jihadis will seize the opportunity to launch new attacks.
The developments in Niger continue to unfold, with growing international concern and pressure on the junta to resolve the crisis peacefully. The situation remains highly volatile, with the fate of the deposed president uncertain. The international community is closely monitoring developments and calling for a swift resolution to prevent further instability in the region.
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Associated Press reporter Lorian Belanger in Shintotsukawa, Japan, and Jean-Fernand Koena in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, contributed to this report.