Niger junta claims ousted President Mohamed Bazoum attempted a fleeing endeavor

The military government in Niger has announced that it thwarted an escape attempt by the deposed former President, Mohamed Bazoum. According to a military spokesperson, Mr. Bazoum tried to flee at night with his family, cooks, and security personnel. The plan involved using helicopters, but it was foiled by the authorities. Since the coup led by his presidential guard in July, Mr. Bazoum has been under house arrest. Niger is located in the Sahel region, which is plagued by jihadist activities and military regimes. The escape attempt occurred early Thursday morning, and the main individuals involved, including Mr. Bazoum, were apprehended. The plan was for Mr. Bazoum to find refuge in a hideout on the outskirts of the capital, Niamey, and then escape on helicopters belonging to a foreign power toward Nigeria. The military spokesperson denounced Mr. Bazoum's "irresponsible attitude." The current whereabouts of Mr. Bazoum and the others involved remain unknown, as an investigation has been initiated. The military coup in Niger in July mirrored similar events in neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, where Islamist insurgency and Russian influence through the Wagner Group have been escalating. Despite his captivity, Mr. Bazoum managed to publish an article in The Washington Post, declaring himself a hostage and warning about the devastating consequences of the coup for Niger and the world. The US President, Joe Biden, demanded Mr. Bazoum's immediate release, while the regional West African bloc, Ecowas, issued threats of military intervention that have yet to be carried out. In the meantime, the junta has ignored calls for the former president's release, with reports suggesting that Mr. Bazoum is being held in dire conditions without access to basic necessities.