The African Union has condemned the treatment of ousted Niger president, Mohammed Bazoum by the nation’s military.
“Such treatment of a democratically elected president through a regular electoral process is unacceptable,” AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat said in a statement, joining a chorus of concern about 63-year-old Bazoum, who was overthrown by military chiefs last month.
“Concordant sources attest to a worrying deterioration” of conditions, Faki said.
In addition, Faki offered his “strong support” for the choices made by the Economic Community of West African States, which on Thursday authorised the dispatch of a standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger.
EU foreign policy director Josep Borrell and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have both expressed concern about the deteriorating conditions in which Bazoum and his family are said to be living.
Recall that it was gathered that Bazoum was being kept in seclusion, made to consume just basic rice and pasta, and denied access to any medications.
