Zazya Bazum appeals for her father’s release amid Niger crisis
Zazya Bazum, daughter of Niger’s ousted president Mohamed Bazum, has issued a public appeal through a letter urging the rebels to free her father and to restore constitutional order across the country. The appeal, reported by Le Figaro, highlights the deep concern within the president’s family as the political upheaval continues to unfold.
In the letter, Zazya Bazum emphasizes the dire conditions under which her family is being held. She describes a concrete building with extreme heat beyond 40°C and reports a lack of basic necessities such as water and electricity. These details illustrate the precarious and harsh circumstances facing the president’s relatives during the ongoing political standoff.
Beyond reconnecting with her father, Zazya Bazum also notes gratitude for international attention and support shown to the Bazum family. She reiterates calls for the immediate release of her relatives, the restoration of constitutional order, and the return of the presidency to Mohamed Bazum, framing these demands as essential steps toward stabilizing Niger during a period of upheaval.
Earlier in the crisis, Abdulsalami Abubakar, the former Nigerian president who chairs ECOWAS mission efforts, had meetings with rebel leaders in Niger. His involvement reflects regional efforts to mediate and address the political deadlock through diplomacy and dialogue, aiming to reduce violence and protect civilian populations amid the tensions.
On July 26, significant turmoil intensified when Niger’s president Mohamed Bazum and his wife were detained by their own bodyguards. In the wake of the incident, the country’s armed forces halted government operations and imposed a curfew, a move that signaled a serious disruption of governmental functions and raised concerns about governance, security, and the rule of law in Niger.
Observations from former rebel leaders suggest substantial casualties may have occurred in connection with foreign intervention. The ongoing clashes and international involvement have sparked debates about regional security, sovereignty, and the responsibilities of external actors in supporting or challenging authorities in Niger. As the situation evolves, observers stress the importance of restraint, legal processes, and protection for civilians while negotiations continue behind the scenes.