Dire Conditions: Niger's Ousted President and Family Face Cruel Detention and Food Shortages

The US has expressed concern for Niger's deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, who has been held at the presidential palace since the coup on July 26. Bazoum and his family are reportedly running out of food and living under dire conditions without electricity or running water. The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, emphasized the importance of their safety and security during a call with Bazoum. Niger's new military junta has rejected international mediation efforts and accused France of destabilizing the country. The junta named a new prime minister and refused admission to mediation teams from the UN, African Union, and Ecowas. Ecowas had threatened military force if Bazoum was not reinstated, but the junta ignored the deadline.