The Nigerien junta has taken steps to remove former President Mohamed Bazoum’s immunity by approaching the country’s Supreme Court, the Cour d’Etat. Officials from the Justice Department filed a petition, urging the court to lift Bazoum’s immunity so that charges of treasonable felony can be brought against him.
The request follows international calls for the release of Bazoum, his family members, and cabinet officials who are currently detained. The 22-member Cour d’Etat, led by Justice Abdou Dangaladima, has scheduled April 10, 2024, to deliver a verdict on the matter.
The move has sparked division among citizens, with some viewing it as a necessary step and others seeing it as a politically motivated witch-hunt. “I see nothing wrong about the move,” remarked activist Mahamadou Tchiroma Aissami, while Bazoum’s supporter Sahanine Mahamadou expressed hope for justice despite concerns about political bias.
Bazoum’s legal team, led by Moussa Coulibaly, had requested additional time to study the case and brief their client. However, the court denied the request and announced its decision to render judgment within five days.
