By Halimah Olamide
The Economic Community of West Africa on Monday said the military junta is Niger is trying to provoke the Subregional body over its plans to charge ousted President Mohamed Bazoum of treason.
In a statement on Monday, which was made available to the NPO Reports, ECOWAS said the latest move by the military leaders of Niger is contrary to reports of the willingness of the junta to negotiate with ECOWAS.
ECOWAS has learnt with stupefaction, the attempts to bring charges of high treason against HE Mohammed Bazoum, President of the Republic of Nigeria,” it said
While saying the decision is a contradiction to the plan to negotiate peace ECOWAS said it condemned any other form of provocative actions from the junta.
“President Bazoum remains the democratically elected president of Republic of Niger recognized by ECOWAS and the international community.
“ECOWAS condemns his illegal detention and calls for his immediate release and reinstatement,” it added in the statement.
Soldiers had seized power in Niger three weeks ago while placing Bazoum under house arrest.
While ECOWAS leaders have hinted of a possible military intervention, many habe cautioned the regional body against anything that could precipitate war in Africa.