Title: Niger: The African Union takes a stand against the prosecution of President Bazoum by the military junta
Introduction :
After an African Union meeting on the situation in Niger, the detention of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum by the military junta continues to cause outrage and concern. This Monday, August 14, the African Union condemned the junta’s desire to prosecute Mohamed Bazoum for “high treason” and “undermining the security of the country”. This new provocation follows the reaction of ECOWAS which had already called for the immediate release of the Nigerien president. In this article, we will analyze the reaction of the African Union and the impact this could have on the evolution of the crisis in Niger.
A new act of provocation by the military junta
The announcement by the Nigerien military junta to want to prosecute President Mohamed Bazoum for “high treason” and “undermining the security of the country” has been strongly condemned by the African Union. In a press release, the continental organization described this step as “a new form of provocation” and reaffirmed its demand for the immediate release of President Bazoum. This reaction of the African Union highlights the lack of legitimacy of the military junta and its lack of respect for the constitutional order of the country.
An obstacle to the search for a peaceful solution
The prosecution of President Bazoum by the military junta is not only a violation of human rights, but also an obstacle to the search for a peaceful solution to the political crisis in Niger. While ECOWAS advocates dialogue and mediation to restore constitutional order, the military junta seems to favor a more repressive approach. This divergence of approach between the African Union and the military junta risks prolonging the crisis and aggravating tensions in Niger.
Unanimous international condemnation
The reaction of the African Union joins that of many international actors who have already condemned the detention of President Bazoum. The United States, for example, said it was “appalled” by the threats of legal action and called for the immediate release of the Nigerien president. This unanimous international condemnation puts additional pressure on the military junta and may encourage the search for a quick and peaceful solution to the crisis.
Conclusion :
The African Union’s condemnation of the prosecution of President Bazoum by the military junta once again highlights the illegitimacy and repressive nature of the regime in place in Niger. While ECOWAS and many international actors call for the immediate release of the Nigerien president, the military junta persists in its violations of human rights and the constitutional order. It is essential that the international community maintains pressure on the junta and works to find a peaceful solution to protect democracy and fundamental rights in Niger