Niger’s military government has announced that it successfully blocked an attempt by deposed President Mohamed Bazoum to flee from custody during the early hours of Thursday morning.
According to a military spokesperson, the former leader attempted to escape alongside his family, security personnel, and household staff.
The elaborate plan reportedly involved traveling to a prearranged hideout on the outskirts of the capital, Niamey, where the group intended to board helicopters “belonging to a foreign power” bound for neighboring Nigeria.
The junta stated that the escape bid was foiled at approximately 03:00 local time, leading to the arrest of several primary actors and accomplices. Mr. Bazoum has been held under house arrest since his presidential guard carried out a coup in late July, an event that mirrored several other military takeovers in the Sahel region.
Despite his continued detention and reports of difficult conditions, including lack of electricity and running water, Mr. Bazoum has refused to officially resign and has publicly characterized himself as a hostage.
