Former President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum remains in detention, isolated and cut off from the world, as the military junta seeks to strip him of immunity and prosecute him on charges such as treason. Held captive by his former security guards in an isolated wing of his house, Bazoum is unable to communicate with his lawyers or see his family and friends.
The once-loud calls for his release have grown quiet, with many of his allies either jailed or forced to flee the country. International partners are also backing away, with the United States preparing to withdraw troops and France already departed. In contrast, Russian military instructors have arrived in Niger as the new leaders turn to Moscow for security assistance.
Despite accusations of failing to secure the country from Islamist insurgents, analysts believe political rivalries were the real cause of Bazoum’s ousting. Now, he remains detained only a few hundred feet from his former office, with the military junta using his detention as a source of power.
As Bazoum’s hearing approaches, where his presidential immunity could be stripped, his lawyers are preparing for a legal battle. Despite hopes for his release, it seems that his next move might be to jail.
Bazoum, a former high school philosophy teacher turned president, was once seen as a promising leader in Niger. He tackled corruption, promoted education, and worked closely with international partners to fight extremism. However, his current situation highlights the challenges faced by leaders in West Africa as military coups become more common.
With Western countries divided on the best approach to secure Bazoum’s release, Niger has turned to Russia for assistance. As Bazoum remains in detention, his future remains uncertain, with little hope for freedom from the current junta according to his senior adviser.
