UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the “deplorable living conditions” of Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum and his family in arbitrary detention, a UN spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.
The spokesperson noted, “the Secretary-General reiterates his concern for the health and safety of the President and his family.”
Guterres once again called for the immediate and unconditional release of President Bazoum and his return to his position as the head of state.
The military leaders in Niger who came to power last month after a coup, in their latest display of resistance against international pressure, formed a new government, as per a decree read out on national television on Thursday.
The 21-member administration will be led by Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine with new military governing council’s generals heading the defence and interior ministries.
