Beneath are some particulars about Bazoum and his rise and fall from energy:
MINISTER-TURNED-PRESIDENT
Bazoum, 63, served as overseas minister and inside minister underneath his predecessor Mahamadou Issoufou, who stepped down after two five-year phrases and handpicked Bazoum because the ruling occasion’s presidential candidate.
Bazoum’s victory within the 2021 election led to Niger’s first transition from one democratically elected chief to a different. It had beforehand skilled 4 coups since gaining independence from France in 1960.
SECURITY CHALLENGE
Bazoum inherited a safety disaster and pledged to proceed with Issoufou’s insurance policies for combating Islamist violence and tackling poverty in one of many world’s least developed international locations.
Niger touches two of Africa’s bloodiest conflicts – one close to its western border with Mali and Burkina Faso, the place jihadists linked to Al Qaeda and Islamic State are lively, and one other close to its southeastern border with Nigeria, the place Boko Haram operates.
Niger strengthened its alliances with Western powers underneath Bazoum, turning into a hub for French, U.S., German and Italian forces.
Leaders of the coup in Niger cited persistent insecurity as justification for Bazoum’s overthrow, however knowledge on assaults and casualties present that safety had been enhancing due to ways utilized by Bazoum’s authorities and assist from the overseas forces primarily based there.
POWER STRUGGLE
The July 26 coup is linked to tensions between Bazoum and components of the Nigerien navy, in accordance with the Worldwide Disaster Group.
Days earlier than Bazoum was sworn in as president in 2021, a navy unit tried to grab the presidential palace in an tried coup.
Extra lately, Bazoum’s transfer to sideline numerous senior individuals in each the navy and public administration was a key driver of the mutiny led by the pinnacle of his highly effective presidential guard, Common Abdourahamane Tiani, individuals accustomed to the matter informed Reuters.
IMPRISONMENT
Since his overthrow, Bazoum has been held by the brand new navy authorities in what his occasion has described as inhumane circumstances, with out entry to operating water, electrical energy, or contemporary items. His spouse and son have been additionally detained with him.
Regional and world powers have referred to as for his launch together with West Africa’s important regional bloc, the United Nations, and United States.
On August 13, the junta mentioned it had gathered the required proof to prosecute Bazoum for top treason and undermining the interior and exterior safety of Niger.
