AU discusses Niger crisis, ECOWAS opposes Mohamed Bazoum trial for treason
(VOVWORLD) - The African Union held a meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to discuss solutions to the ongoing crisis in Niger. Participants included the AU Committee Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat, representatives from Niger, and members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
 Niger's security force disperse protesters gathered outside the French Embassy in Niger.(Photo: REUTERS) |
The same day, ECOWAS condemned the Niger military junta’s intention to prosecute ousted President Mohamed Bazoum for treason, emphasizing that this move is considered a dangerous provocation and contradicts the junta’s previous offer for dialogue.
ECOWAS further asserted that President Bazoum remains the legitimate leader of Niger. Other member countries have also expressed their intent to contribute troops to an ECOWAS intervention campaign in Niger. However, Algeria and the Republic of Chad, have announced their opposition to and non-participation in any military intervention in Niger.
Niger's newly appointed Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, expressed confidence in Niger’s ability to overcome the challenges resulting from the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS after the coup on last month.