Niger’s new authorities who took power late July in a coup are planning to try deposed leader Mohamed Bazoum for treason amid international calls to release the 63-year old man. The junta branding itself the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) deposed Bazoum on July 26 on allegations that he failed to fight terrorism and corruption in the country. The coup has been condemned by world powers and regional organization ECOWAS which has demanded that the junta reinstates Bazoum or face military action. The coup however has received support at home, where many believe Bazoum, elected in disputed 2021 elections, is working with foreign powers including France and the U.S. against the nation. The CNSP leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani received on August 12 a group of Muslim religious leaders from neighboring Nigeria who visited Niamey to help defuse the crisis.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 14, 2023 16:54 UTC