Niger's Ousted President Faces Treason Charges Amidst Coup Anniversary

As Niger marks one year since the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, his lawyer has expressed grave concerns regarding the former leader's future. Moussa Coulibaly, Bazoum's attorney, revealed to the BBC that the country's top court has removed Bazoum's immunity from prosecution, allowing for potential treason charges that could carry the death penalty. Bazoum, 64, and his wife have been detained without access to communication or visitors, raising alarms about the erosion of the rule of law in Niger. Coulibaly warned that the legal proceedings against Bazoum may not be fair, suggesting he could be tried by a special court lacking independence and impartiality. He emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that a conviction could lead to a death sentence. The lawyer's comments reflect a broader concern about the political climate in Niger, where military leaders have dismissed any external influence on their governance. In a significant shift in foreign relations, Niger's military rulers have aligned themselves with Russia, severing ties with France and other Western nations. This pivot comes alongside promises to enhance national security, as evidenced by a new alliance formed with Burkina Faso and Mali, further distancing themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The military government has faced criticism for its crackdown on independent media and dissent, contributing to a growing information void in the Sahel region. Meanwhile, the United States plans to expedite the withdrawal of its troops from Niger, signaling a shift in international engagement with the country.