Detained President Bazoum Receives Medical Assistance in Niger

Doctor Visits Detained President Bazoum in Niger

After facing international criticism, the deposed President Bazoum of Niger has apparently received medical assistance. According to reports, he and his family are doing well under the circumstances.

President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been held captive in Niger for over two weeks, has received a visit from his doctor for the first time. According to President's Advisor Abdourahamane Insar, the 63-year-old, along with his wife and son, are doing well, as stated by the physician.

Prior to the doctor's visit at the Presidential Palace, there were grave concerns about the condition of the president and his family. The United Nations, governments, and human rights organizations criticized the detention conditions of the head of state, who was detained and deposed by the Presidential Guard on July 26.

UN: Treatment "inhumane and degrading"

According to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, the conditions under which Bazoum is being held may constitute a violation of international human rights norms. Türk referred to credible reports of the "inhumane and degrading treatment" of the president.

Bazoum recently told the human rights organization Human Rights Watch that he was forced to eat dry food. His son is being denied treatment despite having a heart condition. "I have not had electricity since August 2nd and no human contact since August 4th. I am not allowed to receive my family members or friends who bring us food and other supplies," Bazoum was quoted as saying.

Phone call with Blinken

In recent days, Bazoum has had multiple phone conversations with international representatives, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. However, the coup leaders have recently denied visits.

On July 31st, Chad's interim president Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno met with Bazoum. On July 26th, Niger's Presidential Guard, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, detained Bazoum in his residence. Other branches of the military also joined the coup, announcing "the end of the regime" and dissolving all constitutional institutions. Tiani assumed power.

Religious leaders arrive for talks

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has threatened measures, including a military intervention, if the coup leaders do not release Bazoum and restore constitutional order. In the meantime, a delegation of Muslim religious leaders from neighboring Nigeria has arrived in the country for mediation talks.