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Niger’s military regime has announced the successful prevention of an escape plot by former President Mohamed Bazoum to neighbouring Nigeria.
Bazoum was overthrown in a coup in July, and the interim authorities revealed that he, along with his family and the aid of accomplices within the security forces, had orchestrated a plan to flee.
According to the Niger authorities, the escape plan involved driving a vehicle to the outskirts of the capital, Niamey, to board a helicopter bound for Nigeria.
“The strong reaction of the defence and security forces made it possible to foil this plan to destabilize our country,” a military spokesman said on national television.
Bazoum’s ousting, much like his Mali and Burkina Faso counterparts, was precipitated by the deteriorating security situation resulting from an Islamist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives in the region.
The military junta contends it can better address this crisis than a civilian government.
Concerns have also arisen regarding Bazoum’s lack of access to basic amenities, such as running water, electricity, and fresh goods, voiced by his party and family members.
These concerns have garnered strong criticism from former Western allies.
