Niger’s Bazoum in First Hearing on Charges of “High Treason”

Local media in Niger reported on Thursday that former President Mohamed Bazoum was questioned by the gendarmerie in a preliminary investigation after the State Court lifted his immunity to prosecute him for “high treason.”

According to local sources, Bazoum was questioned at his place of detention, in the presence of his lawyer, Moussa Koulibaly, and the session lasted about five hours.

Bazoum had refused to be questioned on Tuesday in the absence of his lawyer and insisted on his lawyer’s presence. Once his lawyer was present, he complied with the investigation.

Sources close to the detained Nigerien president said his responses to the investigators’ questions were “good.”

Bazoum has been under house arrest with his wife and son since being ousted in July 2023. In late June, his immunity was lifted, paving the way for his trial.

Many countries are calling for Bazoum, 64, to be released “unconditionally.”