Niger Military Thwarts Former President Bazoum's Alleged Escape Attempt, Lawyers Call for His Release

Deposed president Bazoum held incommunicado, lawyers refute military's escape attempt claim as international leaders call for his immediate release.

Niger's military junta claimed it thwarted an escape attempt by the detained former President, Mohamed Bazoum, and his family on October 19, 2023.
The junta accused Bazoum and his accomplices of planning to fly to Nigeria using helicopters belonging to a foreign power. Bazoum's lawyers strongly refute these claims.
Bazoum has been under house arrest since a coup in late July 2023, and he continues to refuse to officially resign.
Since his detainment, Bazoum has been held incommunicado, prompting international calls for his immediate release. Bazoum's party and family members report that he has had no access to basic utilities or fresh goods.
Many world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, have called for Bazoum's immediate release and the restoration of Niger's hard-earned democracy.
The coup in Niger adds to a series of military takeovers in West Africa's central Sahel region in the past three years, hindering efforts to curb Islamist insurgency in the area.