NIAMEY, Niger: Niger’s top court on Friday revoked President Mohamed Bazoum’s immunity, opening the door for potential legal proceedings following his removal in a July 2023 military coup.
Accused of treason, terrorism financing, and undermining the state, Bazoum has been under house arrest with his wife since the coup. Allegations include seeking foreign intervention during the coup, with Bazoum reportedly contacting French President Emmanuel Macron and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Legal proceedings faced delays, with Bazoum’s defence citing obstacles to a fair trial. In December, the ECOWAS court ordered his release, prompting Niger’s withdrawal from the regional bloc. The decision marks a significant development in Niger’s political landscape, signaling the potential accountability of its former leader before the law.
