NIAMEY, June 14 – Niger’s deposed President Mohamed Bazoum has been stripped of his immunity by the State Court of Niamey, paving the way for the ruling junta to launch criminal proceedings against him, his lawyers announced on Friday.
Bazoum, who was ousted in a military coup last July, has been held in detention along with his wife, despite ongoing demands for their release from ECOWAS and Western nations. The court’s decision allows for charges of treason and conspiracy to undermine state security to be pursued, said his lawyer Moussa Coulibaly. He criticized the legal process, stating that the defense’s rights were violated as they were not permitted to meet Bazoum and were barred from presenting their arguments.
Attempts to reach Niger authorities for comment were unsuccessful. Last year, the junta declared its intent to prosecute Bazoum for high treason, citing his interactions with foreign leaders and international organizations.
The coup in Niger is part of a series of military takeovers in West and Central Africa since 2020, with the junta resisting calls for Bazoum’s reinstatement. The ECOWAS Court of Justice ruled his detention arbitrary, yet the junta has ignored this and other appeals.
Bazoum and his wife have reportedly not been brought before a magistrate since their detention began. Their communication line at the presidency was cut off in October, leaving them isolated except for visits from their doctor.
In January, Niger’s military tribunal granted provisional release from house arrest to Bazoum’s 23-year-old son, Mohamed Bazoum Salem.
