By Enyichukwu Enenanna
The African Union has expressed dissatisfaction with the poor treatment of ousted President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, by the coup leaders who forcefully grabbed power July 26, saying it is “unacceptable”.
The continental body on Friday expressed “deep concern at the reported poor conditions” meted to Bazoum.
“Such treatment of a democratically elected president through a regular electoral process is unacceptable,” AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat said in a statement.
An Adviser to the overthrown Bazoum had raised concern over his “dire condition” from the presidential palace in Niamey with his wife and son since July 26 when soldiers of presidential guard removed him from office.
The family is living without electricity and only has rice and canned goods left to eat, the adviser said.
The junta has threatened to kill Bazoum if neighbouring countries attempt any military intervention to reinstate him.
The Associated Press on Thursday reported that two “Western officials” said the putschists issued the threat while speaking to a top U.S. diplomat.
This came shortly before the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said it had directed the deployment of a “standby force” to restore democracy in Niger, after its deadline of Sunday to restore Bazoum’s government expired.
The international community is scrambling to find a peaceful solution to the country’s leadership crisis, even as the junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani has set up a transition minister.
