African Union meets to discuss Niger coup, military government prosecutes ousted president

“The AU Peace & Security Council meets to receive updates on the evolving situation in Niger and efforts to address it,” the AU said in a post on X.

A Niger protester carries a picture of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Photo: France24

The meeting, held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, was attended by the AU Commission, senior officials of the bloc as well as representatives from Niger and the West African bloc ECOWAS.

The meeting was held to review developments in Niger, particularly the possibility of ECOWAS launching a military intervention in the country.

Earlier, the AU Peace and Security Council in its meeting on July 29 on the coup in Niger “demanded that the military personnel return to their barracks immediately and unconditionally and restore constitutional authority within a maximum period of 15 days”.

Despite threats and diplomatic efforts, the military government in Niger shows no signs of relinquishing power. It is also preparing to prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for “treason” and undermining national security.

If convicted, Mr. Bazoum could face the death penalty under Niger’s penal code. The junta’s spokesman, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, said on state television that the military regime had “gathered the evidence necessary for prosecution.”

On the streets of Niger’s capital, Niamey, on Monday, some residents said they believed Bazoum was guilty. “Treason is really what he deserves because this man betrayed Niger by stealing all of Niger’s resources,” said Niamey resident Assan Zakite.

The military government has faced pressure from the West to release and reinstate President Bazoum. Immediately after the coup on July 26, the West African regional bloc ECOWAS gave the regime seven days to do so. The deadline has long since passed with no action from either side.

ECOWAS on Monday condemned the military junta's treason charges against President Bazoum, calling them provocative and inconsistent with its desire to peacefully restore constitutional order.

ECOWAS last week ordered the deployment of a military force, but it is unclear when or if it will enter Niger. The African Union Peace and Security Council, which meets on Monday, is expected to discuss the issue.

Huy Hoang (according to AP, USA Today, France24)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lien-minh-chau-phi-hop-ban-ve-niger-chinh-quyen-quan-su-quyet-truy-to-tong-thong-bi-lat-do-post260437.html