Niger coup leaders announce prosecution of ousted President for 'high treason'
If found guilty, President Bazoum could face the death penalty, according to Niger's penal code.
The leaders of the military coup in Niger say they will prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for "high treason" and undermining state security.
The soldiers, who took power last month are facing international pressure to release and reinstate the democratically elected leader.
If found guilty, President Bazoum could face the death penalty, according to Niger's penal code.
The announcement of the impending prosecution came hours after the junta said they were open to dialogue with other West African nations to resolve the mounting regional crisis.
Spokesman Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane said on state television on Sunday night the military regime had "gathered the necessary evidence to prosecute before competent national and international authorities the ousted president and his local and foreign accomplices for high treason and for undermining the internal and external security of Niger".
The announcement gave no precise details on the allegations nor the circumstances or date of a trial.
People close to the president as well as those in his ruling party say the family's electricity and water have been cut off and they are running out of food.
The junta dismissed these reports on Sunday night and accused West African politicians and international partners of fuelling a disinformation campaign to discredit the junta.
The developments in Niger have raised tensions in the Sahel region, an area that has seen a series of coups in recent years.
The new ruling junta have been hit by sanctions that have pushed up food prices up by 60% and resulted in 10-hour-long electricity cuts.
But the soldiers recently doubled down and announced a 21-member cabinet to govern the country.
The diplomatic bloc in the region, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has pushed forward with plans for a possible military intervention.
Its leader, President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described the coup as a threat to the stability of the West African region.
