The United States Government has raised serious concerns over the detention of ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and his family under deplorable conditions.
Recall that Bazoum-led Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism said on Wednesday that the Niger coup leaders were holding the president and his family hostage in their official residence without electricity, water or fresh food.
Speaking with reporters on Thursday, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US govt has deep concerns for the health of anf security of Bazoum and his family.
Bliken added that the U.S. informed the coup leaders in Niger that it would hold them responsible if anything happened to Bazoum while in detention.
He said: “We have a deep concern for him, for his family, for his security and well-being.
“We’ve also made it clear to the military leaders that we will hold them responsible for his safety and well-being.”
Bliken also voiced the support of the Joe Biden administration for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore democratic rule in Niger.
The US. official, however, cautioned that military force should be only the last resort and that diplomacy was the best way to resolve the crisis in the West African country.
He said: “ECOWAS, an organization that brings together West African countries, is playing a key role in making clear the imperative of a return to constitutional order, and we very much support ECOWAS’ leadership and work on this.”
