The military regime resulting from the July coup in Niger recently revealed an escape attempt by deposed president Mohamed Bazoum. According to information provided by the regime’s spokesperson, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, this attempt took place on the night of Thursday October 19. The deposed president reportedly tried to escape from his place of detention in the company of his family, his cooks and members of his security. Unfortunately, this attempt failed and several people were arrested.
According to Colonel-Major Abdramane, Mohamed Bazoum’s escape plan included taking him to a hideout on the outskirts of Niamey, Niger’s capital, before taking helicopters belonging to a foreign power to Nigeria. However, no indication regarding the nationality of this foreign power was provided.
This new escape attempt once again highlights the tensions and pressures surrounding the situation in Niger since the coup. The deposed president still refuses to resign and remains detained, with his family, in his residence within the presidential palace. Additionally, the country is currently facing international economic sanctions, which have resulted in the suspension of budgetary aid from many states.
In this context, the European Union announced the establishment of a “humanitarian air bridge” to transport essential medicines and medical supplies to Niamey. Four flights are planned to deliver a total of 58 tonnes of health supplies, aiming to strengthen the humanitarian response in the country where stocks of vital products are rapidly depleting.
The situation in Niger therefore remains worrying, with a deposed president still in detention and economic sanctions which impact the population. It is essential that the international community continues to closely monitor this situation and put in place measures to support the Nigerien population. Political stability and humanitarian response are essential issues in this period of transition for the country.