Niger: Mohamed Bazoum could lose his immunity
The ousted president Mohamed Bazoum, accused of “high treason” and “apology and financing of terrorism,” may lose his immunity. The State Court met in Niamey on April 5, 2024, to discuss this matter and has decided to postpone its decision on lifting the former president’s immunity until May 10, 2024.
Will Mohamed Bazoum be brought before the court? The answer will come in just over a month, specifically on May 10, 2024, when the State Court will decide whether to lift the presidential immunity of the president ousted by his presidential guard 8 months ago.
During a hearing on Friday, the court adjourned the case until May 10. This delay was due to Mohamed Bazoum’s legal team claiming they had not been granted access to the case file and requested a postponement.
Established after last July’s coup, this judicial body combines the powers of the Court of Cassation and the Council of State.
The Friday hearing saw the presence of around twenty judges and the Attorney General.
Several charges are leveled against the former president, including:
- Conspiracy to undermine the safety and authority of the state.
This charge is related to events in October, including a reported attempt by Mohamed Bazoum to escape. These accusations have been categorically denied by his legal team.
- High treason. This accusation stems from events in mid-August, approximately three weeks after the coup, where the military junta alleged communications between the ousted head of state and various Nigerien and foreign contacts.
- Apology for terrorism, based on statements made by the former president during an interview.
The defense of the ousted president claims they have not had access to the case file or been able to communicate with their client. As a result, they requested a postponement. The court did not respond to this request and adjourned the case until May 10.
In a related development, the case regarding the attempted exfiltration of the deposed president took a new turn this week.
Two days after a decision by the judge requesting the release of Abdourahamane Ben Hamaye, a journalist who worked within the presidency under Mohamed Bazoum, and Mohamed Mbarek, the cousin of the former president’s wife, it was revealed that they have been remanded in custody.
They are officially incarcerated since Friday and facing charges of plotting against state security, according to their lawyer.
Titi KEITA
