Niger: Threat To Prosecute President Bazoum Unwarranted – US Govt

The United States Government has warned the military junta in the Niger Republic against prosecuting the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum.

Naija News had earlier reported that the military coup leaders vowed to prosecute President Bazoum for treason and undermining the internal and external security of the country.

Speaking with reporters on Monday, State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said the threat to prosecute the detained president is completely unwarranted and unjustified.

Patel added that the move to prosecute Bazoum would not contribute to a peaceful resolution of the Niger crisis.

He said the US government has again condemned the continuous detention of the ousted President and called for his immediate release and reinstatement.

He said: “We are incredibly dismayed by reports that President Bazoum’s unjust detention has gone even a step further.

“This action is completely unwarranted and unjustified and, candidly; it will not contribute to a peaceful resolution of this crisis.”

Recall that Bazoum has been held in his Presidential Palace residence in Niamey since the military ousted him on July 26.

The military suspended the constitution and appointed a 21-member transitional government.