Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum Warns of Devastating Consequences as He Claims to Be Held Hostage by Military
Niger’s President, Mohamed Bazoum, revealed on Thursday that he is being held captive by the country’s military at the presidential palace in Niamey. In an op-ed published in The Washington Post, Bazoum expressed concerns over the junta’s power grab and warned of potential devastating consequences for the region, particularly due to the presence of Russian mercenaries.
Bazoum, who was democratically elected two years ago, has been detained since last Wednesday when the military launched a coup. The coup has been widely criticized by the United States and other Western nations, with the latter threatening military intervention. Bazoum described himself as a “hostage” in his op-ed, highlighting that his imprisonment is arbitrary and illegal.
The political unrest in Niger has caused turmoil in the region, which is already plagued by coups and militant extremism. Western countries are now racing to evacuate their citizens and diplomats. Bazoum stressed that the coup has no justification and emphasized the potential devastating consequences it could have on Niger, the region, and the world as a whole.
He disputed the coup plotters’ claims that it was necessary to protect Niger’s security. Instead, he argued that the security situation has significantly improved since he took office and worked in collaboration with international partnerships that the junta opposes.
Furthermore, Bazoum warned that the coup’s success would jeopardize foreign aid, which constitutes 40% of the national budget. The removal of aid would have severe consequences for Niger’s economy and development.
While CNN has not been able to verify the conditions under which Bazoum is being detained, the ousted leader remains optimistic and determined, according to his former adviser, Idrissa Waziri. Waziri disclosed that Bazoum is under house arrest, along with his wife and son. He added that the residence is surrounded by military vehicles, access gates are chained shut, and there have been temporary power cuts.
Waziri also disclosed that numerous government officials have been arrested, while others are in hiding. He revealed that Bazoum had chosen to retain Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani as head of the presidential guard after his election, believing Tiani would remain loyal. However, Tiani ultimately led the coup that ousted Bazoum’s government.
In his op-ed, Bazoum further highlighted the security situation in Niger, comparing it favorably to neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, where an Islamist insurgency has taken root. He also warned of growing Russian influence in the Sahel region, particularly with the presence of Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group.
Bazoum called upon the US and the international community to assist in restoring constitutional order in Niger and expressed the gratitude of the Nigerien people for their support during this critical time in their history. US President Joe Biden echoed these sentiments and called for the immediate release of Bazoum on Niger’s Independence Day.
As the situation continues to unfold, the US has maintained its military presence in Niger, working alongside non-affiliated Nigerien forces to keep US bases operational. The US has had troops in Niger for approximately a decade, primarily focused on counterterrorism efforts. The Department of Defense has assured that there are no immediate changes to the US military posture in Niger.