Concern grows for Niger's president, detained by junta for over two weeks

A woman holds the image of ousted Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been held by coup plotters since late July, during a protest outside the Nigerien embassy in Paris on August 5, 2023. © STEFANO RELLANDINI / AFP

The African Union, European Union and United Nations expressed concern on Friday over the detention of Niger's elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted by members of his military guard on 26 July. He has been held at the presidential palace ever since, where he is reportedly cut off from basic supplies and health care.

Reports point to "a worrying deterioration" in the conditions of Bazoum's detention, the AU warned.