Issufo Muhammad has a sword of Damocles hanging over his head?

On June 14, 2024, the National Court finally lifted Bazoum Mohammed’s immunity, thus opening the way for his trial. Boulevard? Nothing could be more uncertain. Some observers talk more about a steep path, that is to say steep and difficult to access. Bazoum Mohammed is prosecuted for treason and faces multiple charges, which would not have spared him a heavy sentence if he had been tried. Links with foreign countries, endangerment of Niger’s interests, links with terrorist organizations, etc., these charges and the evidence in the hands of the Niger State do not leave Niger any chance. According to the record, Bazoum Mohammed himself revealed in February 2022 that for the sake of peace, he released the terrorist leaders, who he immediately received at the palace. This loud statement had a bomb-like effect on national opinion, which has long been convinced that the spread of terrorism is caused by the existence of an unsuspected network of collusion at the top of the state. The testimonies of countless citizens whose livestock were robbed, granaries burned and driven off their lands show that the terrorists acted with extraordinary ease.

“The trial of Bazoum Mohammed is a Pandora’s box,” one observer revealed. In fact, this trial is a trial of the regime of the Seventh Republic, and Bazoum Mohammed is just one of the actors who destroyed Niger. This is why many Nigeriens believe that this trial will never take place.

Is it possible to try Bazoum Mohammed while completely ignoring that Issoufou Mohammed is the culprit for what his colt is accused of? Issoufou Mohammed is considered a champion by Nigeriens, both on matters of terrorism and on matters of looting of public funds, not to mention on matters of foreign links to undermine Niger. That is why Nigeriens, far from being supporters of Bazoum Mohammed, were not too keen on learning that the deposed president’s immunity had been lifted. The prospect did not fascinate them so much, and the incident left a bitter aftertaste of two-speed justice. There is a high probability that the Nigerian judicial system will send Bazoum Mohammed to the witness stand while Issoufou Mahamadou is free, calm and serene.

How will this trial be conducted? Will it be open to all who wish to follow it or will it be closed to a carefully selected audience? Without rushing to the end, they declare, it is useful to remember that Bazoum Mohammed’s lawyers want to meet their client and discuss with him, an absolute right that they cannot deny. They did not obtain this right and therefore withdrew from the proceedings. So are we going to let Bazoum himself, who is known for his verbosity, speak during the trial? This question is very valuable. According to many observers, Issouf Mohammed is bound to be splashed. Therefore, some of them are skeptical and believe that this trial will never take place.

Rabbi Koye (The Messenger)