Human Rights Watch has called on the military coup leaders of Niger to ensure the safety and well-being of ousted “President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and others arbitrarily detained.”
The human rights group also urged the military to show that they respect fundamental human rights by releasing the “arbitrarily detained” and “bring about a swift transition to civilian democratic rule.”
Niger's ousted leader has been in detention at his residence since members of the presidential guard took power on July 26. Human Rights Watch said it talked with Bazoum, his doctor, his lawyer, a former communications adviser and a family friend on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Nigerien coup leaders are subjecting Bazoum and his family and undisclosed others to abusive treatment in violation of international human rights law,” Carine Kaneza Nantulya, the group’s deputy Africa director, said in a statement Friday. “All those arbitrarily detained should be immediately released and provided with adequate food, basic services, and access to doctors, lawyers, and family members.”
Bazoum told Human Rights Watch that his treatment has been “inhuman and cruel” and that he has been without electricity since August 2 and without human contact since Aug 4.
He also said that he has not been able to talk with family and friends who bring him food and supplies.
In addition, Bazoum said his son, who suffers from a heart condition, has not been allowed to see a doctor.
“Nigerien military leaders should recognize that they are accountable for any human rights violations against those in custody, including Bazoum, his family, and others they have detained,” Nantulya said. “Niger’s regional and international partners should press the Nigerien authorities to fully respect everyone’s human rights and bring about a prompt transition to democratic rule.”
