By Lucy Adautin
Niger’s top court lifted President Mohamed Bazoum’s immunity on Friday, setting the stage for a potential trial following his ouster in a military coup in July 2023.
“The court orders the lifting of Mohamed Bazoum’s immunity,” declared Abdou Dan Galadima, the court’s president, which was established by the new military regime in November.
Nigerien authorities accuse Bazoum of treason, financing terrorism, and plotting to undermine the state.
Bazoum has been detained at the presidential residence with his wife Hadiza since the coup on July 26, 2023.
Following Friday’s hearing, Ould Salem Mohamed, one of Bazoum’s lawyers, acknowledged the decision and indicated that the defense team would make a statement soon.
Bazoum is accused of seeking support for “armed intervention” during the coup by speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The court hearing had been postponed twice, with Bazoum’s lawyers citing multiple impediments to mounting a defense.
In December, the court of the West African bloc ECOWAS ordered his immediate release. Niger withdrew from the regional grouping a month later.
