Niger's Military Government to Trial Ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on Charges of 'Treason'

The military government of Niger, late on Sunday, August 13, criticized ECOWAS for sanctioning the country and announced that it would put ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on trial for 'high treason.' According to France 24, the military government described ECOWAS's sanctions as 'illegal, inhumane, and humiliating.' The coup leaders in Niger condemned the 'illegal, inhumane, and humiliating' sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in a televised statement. 'Amadou Abdramane' stated, 'The military government of Niger has gathered evidence to prosecute the ousted President of Niger and his domestic and foreign accomplices before national and international competent authorities for high treason and undermining Niger's internal and external security.' ECOWAS had previously confirmed the deployment of a 'standby force to restore constitutional order' in Niger but remains committed to finding a diplomatic solution to the country's crisis. According to officials, during clashes in the west of the country on Sunday, six Nigerien soldiers and '10 terrorists' were killed. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised ECOWAS's 'determination to explore all peaceful options to resolve the crisis' and called for a non-violent solution to the issue. The Secretary of State added that this bloc 'plays a key role in clarifying the necessity of returning to constitutional order, and we support ECOWAS's leadership and work on this matter.' The French Foreign Ministry also stated that the country 'fully supports all outcomes achieved by ECOWAS.' West African leaders continue to seek further actions to neutralize the military coup in Niger, a coup that has transformed the region and sparked widespread support in the country. Last month, Niger's military imprisoned President Mohamed Bazoum and seized power, an act that faced a wave of condemnation from international powers and increased the shadow of further conflict in the impoverished Sahel region of West Africa, which is currently under the control of Islamist insurgents. The latest developments of the military coup in Niger; translation of Anita Paul’s report. Increased efforts by West African countries to diplomatically resolve the Niger crisis. Russia warned against military intervention in Niger. Antony Blinken called for the 'immediate release' of Niger's President and his family. West African countries are gathering again; a 'difficult' dialogue between a senior U.S. official and Niger's coup leaders.