‘Freedom In Niger Is At Stake’ – UN Reacts To Plans By Military Junta To Prosecute President Bazoum

The United Nations (UN) has disagreed with the move by the military junta in Niger Republic to prosecute the country’s ousted President, Mohammed Bazoum.

Speaking through its human rights chief, Volker Turk, the UN on Friday said the move puts the very notion of freedom in Niger at stake.

He added that the move is politically motivated and has no basis.

Naija News recalls the military coup leaders in Niger Republic on August 13, 2023, announced plans to prosecute ousted Bazoum for high treason over his exchanges with foreign heads of state and international organizations.

According to the junta’s spokesperson, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, they have already “gathered the necessary evidence to prosecute the ousted president…for high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger.”

Reacting, the UN human rights chief as quoted by Reuters said, “This decision is not only politically motivated against a democratically elected President but has no legal basis as the normal functioning of democratic institutions has been cast aside.

“The very notion of freedoms in Niger is at stake.

“Generals cannot take it upon themselves to defy – at a whim – the will of the people. Rule-by-gun has no place in today’s world.”

Since taking over power, Bazoum has remained in the custody of the coup plotters under uncertain conditions.