©AfreePress-(Lomé, Aug. 12, 2023)-The African Union has called upon the international community to support ECOWAS in its efforts to save the life of President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been held by the military since the coup that took place in the country on July 26, 2023. In a statement released on Friday, August 11, 2023, the continental organization expressed its concern about the “deterioration” of President Mohamed Bazoum’s detention conditions and demanded his release, as well as that of his family members.
“Indeed, corroborating sources attest to a worrisome deterioration of such conditions. The Chairman of the Commission urges the military authorities to urgently put an end to the escalation with the regional organization, to restore trust, and to halt the President’s captivity under conditions that are deteriorating alarmingly. Such treatment inflicted upon a democratically elected president through a regular electoral process is unacceptable,” stated the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat.
The AU demands the immediate release of President Bazoum, all members of his family, and his government. According to the AU, these individuals are being unlawfully detained in violation of Nigerien law as well as the fundamental principles of the AU and ECOWAS. “The Chairman of the Commission calls upon the international community as a whole to concentrate all concrete efforts on preserving the life, moral integrity, and physical well-being of President Mohamed Bazoum,” the statement further continues.
It is noteworthy that ECOWAS is considering a military intervention as a last resort to liberate President Bazoum and restore constitutional order in the country.
Raphaël A.
