Niger: Foiled Escape Attempt of the Overthrown President Linked to Foreign Forces

The ruling military council in Niger announced on Thursday that it thwarted an escape attempt by deposed President Mohamed Bazoum from custody along with his family, nearly three months after his detention following a military coup. Colonel Major Amadou Abdrahmane stated in a communiqué: "Bazoum attempted to reach a vehicle that was waiting for him around 3 AM, which was to transport him to the outskirts of the capital, Niamey, with his family, cooks, and security personnel." He added: "They were supposed to be transported from there to Nigeria, aboard two helicopters belonging to a foreign force," emphasizing that "this plan to destabilize our country has been foiled, and the main perpetrators have been arrested, with the public prosecutor having already opened an investigation."