The military government in Niger claims to have thwarted a recent escape attempt by the deposed former President Mohamed Bazoum.
Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since a coup by his presidential guard in late July, tried to flee during the night with his family, cooks, and security personnel using helicopters.
The escape plan was disrupted, and several individuals involved were apprehended. The military spokesperson, Amadou Abdramane, revealed that the plan included Bazoum seeking refuge on the outskirts of the capital Niamey and then flying out on helicopters provided by a foreign entity, condemning his actions as “irresponsible.”
The exact location of Bazoum and the captured group is currently unknown, and an investigation has been initiated.
Niger experienced a military coup on July 26, similar to neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Mali, amid concerns about an Islamist insurgency and increased Russian influence in the Sahel region through the Wagner mercenary group.
Despite his captivity, Bazoum has not officially resigned and managed to publish an article in The Washington Post, expressing his status as a hostage and warning of dire consequences from the coup.
Following Bazoum’s removal from power, U.S. President Joe Biden called for his immediate release and the preservation of Niger’s democracy.
The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) set a deadline for the coup leaders to step down, but their threats of military intervention went unheeded, and the junta continues to disregard calls for Bazoum’s release.
Bazoum’s party and family have reported that he lacks access to basic necessities like running water, electricity, and fresh supplies.
Source-BBC
