‘Another form of provocation,’ ECOWAS reacts to Niger junta’s planned prosecution of ousted president

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Monday described as unacceptable the threat by the Nigerien military junta to prosecute ousted President Mohammed Basoum for treason and other allied crimes.

The soldiers who seized power in Niger on July 26 said on Sunday night they had gathered evidence that would allow them to prosecute Bazoum for undermining the country’s internal and external security.

This, according to them, was based on the support the ousted president had garnered from foreign leaders and international organisations since he was removed from power 19 days ago.

READ ALSO: Obi tells ECOWAS to allow Niger sort out its internal issues

The junta stated this just a few hours after its leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, declared his readiness to dialogue with ECOWAS leaders on the Niger crisis.

However, in a statement on Monday, the sub-regional body said the move contradicted reports on the junta’s willingness to restore constitutional order in the impoverished West African country.

“It (planned prosecution) 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,” ECOWAS said in the statement.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now