Ousted Niger President Mohamed Bazoum unsuccessfully flees

Mr. Mohamed Bazoum has not announced his resignation and has been detained at his residence with his wife and son since the coup on July 26.

Speaking on national television, Niger's military spokesman, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, said that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, two cooks and two security guards tried to escape from detention at around 3am on October 19. However, the attempt failed and Mr Bazoum and several others were arrested. The military government has also opened an investigation into the incident, which it said would have allowed Mr Mohamed Bazoum to be taken to Nigeria with outside help if he had escaped from detention.

Many countries and organizations have called for Bazoum's release, but the military government has remained steadfast in its decision. On September 18, Mohamed Bazoum filed a lawsuit in West Africa to demand his release and the restoration of constitutional order in Niger.

In a related development, on October 19, the European Union (EU) announced the establishment of a “humanitarian air bridge” to transport essential medicines and medical supplies to Niamey to “strengthen the humanitarian response” in the country. Previously, the EU had suspended aid to Niger.

Since the coup, Niger's military government has been subject to numerous international economic sanctions, while many countries have suspended aid to the country.