US Expresses Concern for Niger’s Deposed President and Family’s Dire Living Conditions
The United States has expressed deep concern for Niger’s deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, after his political party revealed that he and his family are running out of food and living under increasingly dire conditions. President Bazoum, the democratically elected leader of the West African nation, has been held at the presidential palace in Niamey with his wife and son since mutinous soldiers moved against him on July 26.
Since the coup, President Bazoum has not been seen in public, although sources close to him have stated that he has refused to resign. According to a close adviser, the family is living without electricity and has only rice and canned goods left to eat. However, the adviser mentioned that Bazoum remains in good health for now. Bazoum’s political party has issued a statement confirming the president’s living conditions and added that the family is also without running water.
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, spoke with President Bazoum on Tuesday regarding recent diplomatic efforts. The State Department emphasized that the safety and security of President Bazoum and his family are of utmost importance.
Meanwhile, Niger’s new military junta has taken steps to solidify its power and has rejected international efforts to mediate the situation. On Wednesday, the junta accused former colonizer France of attempting to destabilize the country, violate its closed airspace, and discredit the junta’s leaders. France has dismissed these allegations as unfounded.
In response to the coup, the junta named Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, a civilian economist and former economy and finance minister, as the new prime minister on Monday. Zeine had previously left office after a coup in 2010 toppled the government at the time. He later worked at the African Development Bank. Aneliese Bernard, a former State Department official specializing in African affairs and now the director of Strategic Stabilization Advisors, stated that the establishment of a government is significant and signals to the population that there is a plan in place with support from across the government.
The junta has also refused to admit mediation teams from the United Nations, the African Union, and the West African regional bloc Ecowas, citing security concerns. Ecowas had threatened to use military force if the junta did not reinstate President Bazoum by Sunday, a deadline that the junta ignored. The bloc is expected to meet again on Thursday to discuss the situation.
While the rebellious soldiers claimed that they seized power to better protect the nation from jihadi violence, most analysts and diplomats believe that the coup resulted from a power struggle between President Bazoum and the head of his presidential guard, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, who now asserts control over the country.
What specific concerns did Inken express regarding the living conditions of President Bazoum and his family in Niger?
Inken, expressed deep concern for President Bazoum and his family’s dire living conditions. In a statement, Blinken condemned the coup and called for a swift restoration of democracy in Niger. He emphasized the importance of respecting the human rights of President Bazoum and his family, including their ability to live in dignified and safe conditions.
Blinken also called on the coup leaders to allow independent observers and international humanitarian organizations to have access to President Bazoum and his family. He urged them to ensure their security and well-being during this challenging time.
The United States is closely monitoring the situation in Niger and stands ready to provide appropriate support and assistance to the country as it works towards the restoration of democracy. The US government is also working with its international partners to address the crisis and find a peaceful resolution.
President Bazoum’s living conditions highlight the urgency of the situation in Niger and the need for a swift resolution to the political crisis. The United States will continue to advocate for President Bazoum’s rights and well-being, and stand with the people of Niger in their pursuit of democracy, stability, and prosperity.
I hope that aid and support can be provided to improve the living conditions and secure a better future for him.