Ousted Niger President, Bazoum Laments Hardship, Claims Eating Dry Rice

Ousted Niger Republic President, Mohamed Bazoum, on Wednesday, disclosed he’s been isolated and forced to survive on dry rice since the military’s takeover on July 26, 2023.

In text messages shared with a friend and cited by CNN, Bazoum mentioned being “deprived of all human contact” and left without food or medicine.

He has also been without electricity, an issue plaguing all Nigeriens due to Nigeria’s response to the coup by cutting power.

Although he’s largely cut off, Bazoum has managed some outside communication. He confirmed speaking with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken by phone, despite missing a chance to meet the visiting Deputy Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland.

The Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Bola Tinubu has called for a meeting following the expiration of the bloc’s 7-day ultimatum for Bazoum’s reinstatement.

In a related development, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi on Wednesday met with the coup leaders in Niger Republic.

The former Emir of Kano met with the military leaders, led by the coup leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, in Niamey, the nation’s capital, to discuss the current political impasse occasioned by the recent coup in the country.