ECOWAS condemns Niger coup leaders for charging ousted President with high treason

The West African regional bloc, ECOWAS has condemned the decision by the military authorities in Niger to press charges of high treason against the ousted President, Mohammed Bazoum.

ECOWAS in a press release dated Monday, August 14, 2023, said the action of the military authorities in Niger "represents yet another form of provocation and contradicts the reported willingness of the military authorities in the Republic of Niger to restore constitutional order through peaceful means."

President Bazoum, who is currently under detention, was overthrown by the presidential guards recently led by the leader of the unit, General Abdourahmane Tchiani.

ECOWAS has since the military take-over mounted pressure on the coup leaders to reinstate President Bazoum. 

Attached below is a copy of the ECOWAS Press Release

ECOWAS has learnt with stupefaction attempts to bring charges of high treason against H.E. Mohammed Bazoum, President of the Republic of Niger.

ECOWAS condemns this move as it represents yet another form of provocation and contradicts the reported willingness of the military authorities in the Republic of Niger to restore constitutional order through peaceful means.

President Bazoum remains the democratically-elected President of the Republic of Niger recognised by ECOWAS and the international community. ECOWAS condemns his illegal detention and calls for his immediate release and reinstatement