The military junta has announced that deposed president Mohamed Bazoum will be prosecuted for “high treason” and endangering state security.
The junta’s statement about Bazoum’s prosecution came just hours after it signaled its willingness to reach a diplomatic resolution to the crisis that arose from the coup that occurred in July.
A junta spokesperson, Amadou Abdramane, said on state television that the regime had gathered evidence to prosecute the ousted president and his accomplices, apparently referring to messages that Bazoum has communicated with foreign countries during his house arrest.
The junta’s announcement said high-ranking west African politicians and “their international mentors” had made false allegations and attempted to derail a peaceful solution to the crisis in order to justify a military intervention.
Bazoum, 63, is being held captive with his wife and son and there were growing concerns about their health.
The head of the presidential guards unit, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, declared himself Niger’s new ruler on 26 July after overthrowing him.
The Economic Community of the West African States (ECOWAS) has threatened military action to reverse the coup but it has so far failed to follow through on its threat.
The coup leaders have warned they will defend themselves against any intervention.
ECOWAS has also imposed sanctions on the junta, including cutting electricity to Niger. This has caused blackouts in the capital Niamey, and other major cities.