Mohamed Bazoum, the democratically elected president of Niger who was overthrown by a military junta, is reportedly enduring a hostile environment. In a series of text messages obtained by CNN, he revealed that he has been isolated, receiving no food or medicine from anyone.
According to the Cable, he expressed his frustration that the food initially supplied to him has now spoiled, leaving him with only dry pasta and rice to eat. He disclosed that he has been without electricity for a week due to sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Following the coup, the electricity company of Niger, Nigelec, announced that the supply from neighboring Nigeria had been cut off, leading to blackouts in major cities. The military junta in Niger warned against foreign intervention and promised that Bazoum’s well-being would not be jeopardized.
Efforts are still being made to stabilize the situation in Niger, despite the obstinacy of the military junta. Regional and international organizations have faced hostility in their attempts to intervene. The country’s military authorities recently rejected a peace mission from ECOWAS, the United Nations (UN), and the African Union (AU).
ECOWAS stated that the diplomatic attempts were aborted after receiving a communication late at night from the coup leaders, indicating their unavailability to meet the delegation.
Additionally, Victoria Nuland, the United States acting deputy secretary of state, was denied permission to meet with the coup leader or with Bazoum, instead being allowed to speak with other army officers for two hours.
On Thursday, ECOWAS leaders will meet in Nigeria to discuss the way forward, particularly as the military junta in Niger has defied the bloc’s deadline to reinstate Bazoum.
In response, Rhissa Ag Boula, a former rebel leader and minister in Bazoum’s government, announced the formation of an anti-junta resistance group called the Resistance Council for the Republic (CRR). The group aims to restore order in Niger and demands that the military step down and arrest Abdourahamane Tiani, the self-declared head of state.
The council also issued a warning, stating that it will use any necessary means to eradicate the treacherous act of questioning people’s choices by rogue and irresponsible soldiers.
Temmyabbe (
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