Recall that Bazoum was ousted on July 26, 2023, by General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of his presidential guard.

Elected in 2021, Bazoum has refused to resign and continues to assert his legitimacy as the president of Niger.

Since the coup, both Bazoum and his wife, Hadiza, have been confined to the presidential palace in Niamey. Bazoum’s last public appearance was on August 19, 2023, during a visit by a Nigerian mediator, which was broadcast nationally.

The conditions of their detention have deteriorated since then. In October, the military accused Bazoum of attempting to escape, an allegation denied by his legal team.

Bazoum’s phone has been confiscated, and only his doctor is permitted to visit him twice weekly.

Despite these harsh conditions, Bazoum remains steadfast. According to his communications advisor, Hamid N’Gade, Bazoum is in good physical health and maintains high spirits, showing no inclination to resign.

“Physically, they are doing well. Their morale is very high. The president remains committed to continuing his resistance.

“He is a man of strong convictions and a staunch republican. Resigning is out of the question for him,” said Hamid N’Gade, his communications advisor, to AFP.

He remains dedicated to resisting the military regime, seen by those close to him as a symbol of courage and democracy. His son, Salem Bazoum, who was initially detained with him, was provisionally released in January and has relocated to Togo.

Allegations Against Bazoum

Despite the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ordering Bazoum’s release in mid-December, the military has ignored this directive, leading Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.

Last month, the military-established State Court revoked Bazoum’s presidential immunity. He faces charges of “conspiracy to attack the security and authority of the state” and “treason.”

The military accuses him of contacting French President Emmanuel Macron and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to seek support for armed intervention during the coup.

Mohamed Seydou Diagne, one of Bazoum’s lawyers, argues that the court lacks legitimacy, as its members were appointed by a leader who was never formally sworn in.

“This court lacks legitimacy. Its members were appointed by a coup leader who was never sworn in,” said Mohamed Seydou Diagne, one of Bazoum’s lawyers.

Potential Trial

The removal of Bazoum’s immunity opens the door to a trial, although no date has been set. The charges carry severe penalties: treason could result in the death penalty by firing squad, while conspiracy against state authority could lead to life imprisonment.

“The crime of treason carries the death penalty, by firing squad, which remains in effect in Niger, although it has not been implemented for thirty years,” said Moussa Coulibaly, former president of the Niger Bar Association and one of Bazoum’s lawyers.

A trial would provide Bazoum with his first opportunity to publicly address the charges since the coup. However, Diagne criticized the process, describing it as an exceptional jurisdiction lacking fair trial guarantees. He called it a “mockery of justice” designed to secure Bazoum’s conviction.

“It will only be a mockery of justice, a continuation of what they have initiated. They are determined to convict him at any cost,” added Oumar Moussa, his deputy chief of staff.

Support for Bazoum

Initially, many Western leaders demanded Bazoum’s immediate release. ECOWAS imposed economic sanctions on Niger’s military rulers and even threatened military intervention to reinstate him. However, no intervention occurred, and sanctions were lifted in February.

In recent months, international calls for Bazoum’s release have waned. A French diplomatic source expressed concern about the pressures exerted by the junta and the impending “legal charade.”

An International Monetary Fund spokesperson, whose aid to Niger has resumed, declined to comment on Bazoum’s situation, citing non-interference in the political affairs of member states.

Rebel groups in Niger advocating for Bazoum’s return have recently claimed responsibility for attacks on a major oil pipeline.