Niger: ‘Threat To Prosecute President Bazoum Provocating’

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in a statement released on Monday warned the military junta in the Niger Republic against prosecuting the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum.

Naija News had earlier reported that the military coup leaders vowed to prosecute President Bazoum for treason and undermining the internal and external security of the country.

ECOWAS, however, in its reaction to the statement of the coup leaders described their plan as a provocation.

The West Africa bloc insisted that President Bazoum remains recognized by ECOWAS and the International community.

ECOWAS condemned the continuous detention of the ousted President and called for his immediate release and reinstatement.

The statement released by ECOWAS on Twitter reads, “ECOWAS has learned with stupefaction attempts to bring charges of high treason against H.E. Mohamed BAZOUM, President of the Republic of Niger.

“ECOWAS condemns this move as 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.

“President BAZOUM remains the democratically-elected President of the Republic of Niger recognized by ECOWAS and the international community.

“ECOWAS condemns his illegal detention and calls for his immediate release and reinstatement.”