Niger: Mohamed Bazoum, Albeit Detained, Continues To Be Rebellious

Mohamed Bazoum was deposed a year ago in a military coup headed by General Tiani, who seized power in Niger with the army’s backing. Since then, the military has strengthened its hold on power by stifling dissenters, restricting liberties, and suspending political parties.

Niger has shifted its allegiance away from Western partners and toward Russia, but no timetable for a restoration to civilian control has been announced.

With the exception of routine doctor visits, Bazoum and his spouse, Hadiza, have been confined at the presidential mansion since October, cut off from the outside world.

He is always watched over and doesn’t have a phone. His physician delivers books and food to him.

Bazoum, however, is adamant that he will not step down. As a retired philosophy professor, reading widely gives him comfort, whether it is from modern writers like Romain Gary to classic writers like Shakespeare and Tolstoy. In addition, he reads political books like “The Triumph of Emotions” by Dominique Moïsi.

Bazoum hasn’t wavered in his dedication, even after a malaria attack in the spring. Despite the recent lifting of his presidential immunity, which might result in a trial, he has refused to step down.