In a thrilling turn of events, Niger’s military rulers announced that they successfully foiled a audacious escape attempt by former president Mohamed Bazoum on Thursday. The ousted leader, who was overthrown in a coup in July, along with his family, two cooks, and two security elements, tried to flee their place of detention in the early hours of the morning, according to regime spokesperson Amadou Abdramane.
Despite their efforts, the escape bid was unsuccessful, and several individuals involved, including the “main actors and some of the accomplices,” were immediately apprehended. An investigation into the incident is now underway to determine the extent of Bazoum’s plot.
Details surrounding the escape plan reveal a daring scheme wherein Bazoum planned to first reach a hideout on the outskirts of the capital, Niamey. From there, he intended to board helicopters reportedly belonging to a foreign power and flee towards Nigeria. Abdramane condemned Bazoum’s actions as “irresponsible,” highlighting the former president’s refusal to resign since being ousted from power.
Previously held at his residence in the heart of the presidential palace with his wife Haziza and son Salem, the current whereabouts of the detainees have not been disclosed by Abdramane.
Bazoum’s legal team had already taken action, filing a case with the court of the Economic Community of West African States against those responsible for his removal from office. Additionally, they plan to present his case to the UN Human Rights Council.
The military officers behind Bazoum’s ousting justified their actions by citing the deteriorating security situation in Niger, primarily due to jihadist attacks. The country faces the challenges of battling two jihadist insurgencies: one stemming from the long-standing conflict in neighboring Nigeria and the other coming from militants crossing from Mali and Burkina Faso towards the western region.
Tragically, Niger recently mourned the loss of 29 soldiers in a suspected jihadist attack, marking the deadliest incident since the military assumed power in July. As a result, French soldiers, who were stationed in Niger to aid in the fight against Islamic State and Al-Qaeda militants, have been ordered to withdraw by the post-coup military rulers. The French troops began their journey by road, safely reaching N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, in coordination with Nigerien forces.
The withdrawal of approximately 1,400 soldiers, along with their equipment, including fighter jets, drones, helicopters, and armored vehicles, is expected to be completed by the end of December. While France and other nations and organizations have called for the release of President Bazoum, the military regime remains steadfast in its position for now, displaying an unwillingness to acquiesce to international pressure.
