August 11, (THEWILL) – The military junta in Niger has reportedly threatened to kill ousted President Mohamed Bazoum if the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) attempts any military intervention to restore democracy in the country.
According to the Associated Press, a Western military official, who confirmed the report on condition of anonymity on Thursday, said representatives of the junta told the US under Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, of the threat to Bazoum during her visit to the country on Monday.
Bazoum, who was deposed on July 26, is being detained along with his wife and son in the Presidential palace in Niamey.
“The family is living under appalling conditions with no electricity and running water, with only rice and canned goods to eat,” the report added.
THEWILL reports that the ECOWAS, in a resolution at the extraordinary summit held Thursday, in Abuja, directed the deployment of a “standby force” in Niger, amid failed diplomatic efforts to restore democracy in the country.
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