Detention of Former Niger President Bazoum: Reasons unveiled by Transition President

In an interview with Niger’s state media on December 10, General Abdourahamane TIANI, the President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and interim head of state, revealed the reasons behind the continued detention of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum at the presidential residence in Niamey since July 26 following the coup d’état.

According to President TIANI, the release of the ousted president in the days following the coup posed a serious threat to national security.

Specifically, he highlighted that allies of the former president, notably France, were anticipating his release to launch an attack on Niger.

As evidence, he recalled that on July 27, a French aircraft carrying military personnel landed in Niamey, despite the closure of airspace borders.

The intention was to be prepared and act as soon as the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) initiative began and after the liberation of the former president Bazoum.

Furthermore, President TIANI added that three armed groups were stationed in the northern part of the country around the same period, waiting for Bazoum’s release to initiate an attack.

The question arises: Is the threat now eliminated? Will the former president and his family be released?

In response to these questions, the transitional president mentioned the continued threat of military intervention by ECOWAS, which is temporarily suspended.

Another factor hindering Bazoum’s freedom is the resistance government formed in Abuja, Nigeria, by dignitaries from the ousted regime.

According to the CNSP president, this government is only waiting for the release of its leader, Bazoum, to claim power with the assistance of France.

This complicates the engagement of parties in a genuine dialogue for crisis resolution since ECOWAS’s condition for initiating dialogue and easing sanctions is the release of Bazoum.

All in all, behind-the-scenes discussions are reportedly ongoing to find common ground.

Fayçal BADIE