The military government in Niger has reported that they successfully thwarted a bid by the deposed former President, Mohamed Bazoum, to escape from custody.
According to a military spokesperson, the former president made an attempt to flee during the night along with his family, cooks, and security personnel. The plan involved the use of helicopters for their getaway, but it was ultimately foiled.
Since a coup led by members of his presidential guard in late July, Mr. Bazoum has been under house arrest.
Niger is situated in the Sahel, a region in Africa known for its semi-arid terrain stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, located just south of the Sahara Desert. This area faces challenges from jihadist activities and military rule.
The escape attempt occurred at approximately 03:00 local time on Thursday, as stated by military spokesperson Amadou Abdramane on state television. He explained, “The ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and his family, his two cooks and two security elements, tried to escape from his place of detention.”
The attempt was unsuccessful, resulting in the arrest of “the main actors and some of the accomplices.”
The intricate plan involved Bazoum reaching a hideout on the outskirts of the capital, Niamey. From there, the group planned to use helicopters from a foreign entity to fly towards Nigeria. Mr. Abdramane condemned Bazoum’s “irresponsible attitude.”
The current whereabouts of the former president and the rest of the group remain unclear. An investigation is underway.
The Niger military staged a coup on July 26, overthrowing the democratically elected president. This event paralleled similar military takeovers in neighboring countries like Burkina Faso and Mali, amidst an Islamist insurgency and the increasing influence of Russia in the broader Sahel region through its mercenary group, Wagner.
Despite being in captivity, Bazoum has managed to publish an article in The Washington Post, asserting that he is a hostage and warning of the “devastating consequences for our country, our region, and the entire world” due to the coup.
Following Bazoum’s overthrow, US President Joe Biden called for his “immediate release” and for the “preservation of Niger’s hard-earned democracy.” However, Ecowas, a regional power bloc, failed to follow through on its threats of military intervention, and the junta continued to ignore demands for the president’s freedom.
Bazoum’s party and family members claim he has been deprived of basic amenities like running water, electricity, and fresh supplies.
