Niger’s deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, is reportedly in the company of his family and is in good health, as confirmed by a relative who spoke to media on Sunday.
“He is at the presidential residence (in Niamey) with his wife and son and is doing well,” the family member said, adding that he was allowed to make one phone call.
The source further noted that his physician managed to visit him and provide him with nourishment.
On Thursday, the military regime that toppled the democratically elected President Bazoum on July 26th, reported that they had thwarted an alleged escape attempt by him while in their custody.
The regime also mentioned that they had apprehended “”the main actors and some of the accomplices”.
A collective of lawyers representing Bazoum disavowed the “fabricated allegations” and asserted that Bazmoum was being held in isolation without communication.
French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed his apprehension about the precarious situation on Friday, urging the immediate release of Bazoum, as well as his wife and son.
Despite his ousting by the military in July, Bazoum has staunchly declined to resign and remains confined to his residence within the presidential palace, along with his wife and son.
In the previous month, Bazoum’s legal team reported that he had initiated a legal action with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court against those responsible for his removal, seeking the reinstatement of constitutional governance.
ECOWAS has cautioned that it might employ military intervention in Niger if diplomatic initiatives aimed at reinstating Bazoum into office prove unsuccessful.
The former colonial power and a crucial ally of the ousted president in the battle against jihadist factions in Niger, France, concurred with the military rulers’ stipulation to withdraw its 1,500 troops by December 31.
Previously, France withdrew its troops from Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which have experienced coups in the last two years.
