ECOWAS Condemns Niger Junta’s Threat To Prosecute President Bazoum

ECOWAS says the move contradicts their reported willingness to find a peaceful solution to the current crisis.

West African regional bloc, ECOWAS has condemned Niger coup leaders’ threat to prosecute ousted President Mohamed Bazoum for what they claim is high treason. ECOWAS said in a statement that the move was a form of provocation by Niger’s coup leaders and contradicts their reported willingness to find a peaceful solution to the current crisis.

Similarly, the United States had earlier voiced outrage over threats by Niger’s military rulers to try detained President Mohamed Bazoum, saying the move would worsen tensions. US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters that the action was completely unwarranted and unjustified and would in no way contribute to a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

In the same vein the African Union (AU), on Monday, held talks on the ongoing political impasse in Niger. The meeting, held in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, was attended by the AU Commission, Chief Moussa Faki Mahamat, as well as representatives from Niger and the West African bloc ECOWAS.

The meeting was held to review developments in Niger, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum given to the military junta to restore constitutional order in Niger. Niger’s military last month imprisoned President Mohamed Bazoum and assumed power, drawing condemnation from international powers who have threatened military action as a last resort while also saying they aim to resolve the situation peacefully.