The military junta in Niger has declared its intentions to take legal action against ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on charges of high treason and jeopardizing national security.
This is the latest sign that the junta intends to resist international pressure to return power to Mr Bazoum.
He has been held in the basement of his palace since the military staged a coup about three weeks ago.
Mr Bazoum was in “good spirits” despite being held in “difficult” conditions, his doctor said after a visit.
Saturday’s visit was approved amid growing international demands for Mr Bazoum’s release.
But in a sign that it is hardening its position, the junta said in a statement read out on state TV that it had gathered evidence to prosecute “the deposed president and his local and foreign accomplices for high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger”.
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It did not give further details.
Mr Bazoum, 63, is being held captive with his wife and son and there were growing concerns about their health.
A source confirmed to AFP that the President has been seen by his doctor on Saturday.
The source, who is reportedly a member of his entourage said the physician had also brought food for Bazoum, his wife and son who are being held with him.
“He’s fine, given the situation,” the source added.
Meanwhile on Saturday, a high-powered delegation of Muslim clerics from neighbouring Nigeria met junta leaders in Niamey in a bid to mediate an end to the crisis.
Junta-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine said he was optimistic that talks with Ecowas would take place in the coming days “to discuss how the sanctions against us will be lifted”.
