Human Rights Watch Expresses Concern About Bazoum's Situation The call of Human Rights Watch comes a day after a meeting held by the EC...
Human Rights Watch Expresses Concern About Bazoum's Situation
The call of Human Rights Watch comes a day after a meeting held by the ECOWAS in Abuja to find out how to overcome the crisis in Niger.
The Human Rights Watch, called on the soldiers who staged a coup in Niger, to make sure President Mohamed Bazoum, his family and other people they are detaining are in good health.
The group also challenged the coup forces to show the world that they respect human rights by releasing those they are holding and returning Niger to civilian hands.
The call of Human Rights Watch comes a day after a meeting held by the ECOWAS in Abuja to find out how to overcome the crisis in Niger.
"In my opinion, holding President Bazoum hostage is an act of terrorism." Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara told reporters after Thursday's meeting.
The forces guarding the presidential palace in Niger have detained Bazoum in his house since the 26th of July when they took power.
Human Rights Watch said it met with Bazoum, his doctor, his lawyer and some of his relatives on Thursday, according to the AP news agency.
However, the group said that the conditions in which he is being held are against the principles of human dignity, saying that his electricity was cut off on August 2nd and he was not allowed to see anyone else since August 4th.
Bazoum said that he is not allowed to talk to his family who bring him food and other necessities, and his son, who is suffering from heart failure, is not allowed to see his doctor.
After its meeting in Abuja, the ECOWAS group said it is still on the verge of using military action which it will consider as a last resort.
Reports have reported that the forces of Niger have threatened to kill Bazoum if they are attacked.