NIAMEY: The detained former Niger President, Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted by his presidential guard last month, was seen by his doctor on Saturday, according to his entourage. This development comes amid growing concern about his well-being and detention conditions.
A member of Bazoum’s entourage informed AFP that the former president’s doctor paid a visit to him. The doctor also brought food for Bazoum, who was toppled on July 26 by his guard, and his wife and son, who are being held with him at his official residence in the capital Niamey.
The source mentioned that, given the situation, Bazoum is in relatively good condition. Since the military coup, fears have been increasing regarding the health and treatment of Bazoum, his family, and his 20-year-old son, who were all taken captive when the military seized power. The international community, including the European Union and the African Union, has expressed concerns about their well-being.
Inhuman Treatment to Niger President
UN rights chief Volker Turk stated that Bazoum’s reported detention conditions might violate international human rights law by potentially amounting to inhuman and degrading treatment. Antony Blinken, the top US diplomat, expressed his disappointment with the military’s refusal to release Bazoum’s family as a goodwill gesture.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) revealed that Bazoum had conveyed his experience of “inhuman and cruel” treatment, both to himself and his family, during a conversation earlier in the week. CNN reported that Bazoum was being held in isolation and forced to consume dry rice and pasta by those responsible for his overthrow.
