Former President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger is facing charges of high treason and jeopardizing both national and international security due to his interactions with foreign leaders and international organizations, as announced by the Niger junta.

The junta’s spokesperson, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, conveyed this decision in a statement read on state TV. The military authorities claim to have collected substantial evidence to support their case against Bazoum.

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The political situation in Niger has been tumultuous since Bazoum’s ousting in a coup d’état orchestrated by the presidential guard. In response, West African leaders escalated their condemnation of the coup leaders and authorized the deployment of a regional standby force to reinstate democracy in the coup-affected nation.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) initiated sanctions and presented an ultimatum to the military junta, urging them to step down within a week or face the possibility of military intervention.

Despite the deadline passing without significant changes, ECOWAS leaders are still committed to a diplomatic resolution, with military intervention as a final resort.

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The head of the Niger junta, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, has expressed willingness to engage in diplomatic dialogue.

During discussions with a Nigerian intervention team led by Islamic scholars, Tchiani conveyed his readiness for a peaceful negotiation.

Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Zeine, stated that Tchiani is hopeful for talks with ECOWAS in the upcoming days, indicating a potential avenue for diplomatic resolution.