Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under detention since being removed by members of his guard last month, was visited by his doctor on Saturday, according to his close associates.
The president was visited by his doctor today, confirmed a member of his inner circle to media. The doctor also brought provisions for Bazoum, as well as his wife and son, who are detained alongside him.
“He’s fine, given the situation,” the source added.
Concerns have been growing regarding the well-being and the circumstances of detention for democratically elected President Bazoum, his wife, and their 20-year-old son. They have been held captive since the military seized power on July 26.
The European Union and the African Union, among others, have also raised concerns about the situation of President Bazoum.
Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed that the reported detention conditions of Bazoum could potentially qualify as “inhuman and degrading treatment,” thereby contravening international human rights law.
Antony Blinken, the prominent US diplomat, conveyed his “disappointment” at the military’s decision not to release Bazoum’s family as a gesture of “goodwill.”
Human Rights Watch reported having conversed with Bazoum earlier this week. The 63-year-old leader characterized the treatment of him, his wife, and his son as “inhumane and cruel,” according to HRW.
CNN disclosed last week that Bazoum was being held in isolation and compelled to consume plain rice and pasta by those responsible for his ousting.