The military coup leaders in Niger have declared their intention to put former President Mohamed Bazoum on trial for charges of “high treason” and “undermining the country’s security.”
The announcement was made in a televised statement by General Amadou Abdel Rahman, a member of the coup’s military council.
According to General Rahman, the Nigerien government has gathered evidence to prosecute the ousted president, along with local and foreign associates, before both national and international bodies.
The accusations are based on alleged “exchanges” between Bazoum and “foreign nationals,” “foreign heads of state,” and “heads of international organizations.”
The military further revealed that Bazoum “receives regular visits from his physician.” A medical consultation took place on Saturday based on the advice of an advisor to the deposed president.
The military leaders emphasized that “the physician has not raised any concerns about the health condition of the deposed president and his family members.”
Mohamed Bazoum, aged 63, has been held along with his family since July 26th in his presidential residence.
The prime minister appointed by the Nigerien military coup leaders expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to “overcome” the sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
