The military government in Niger claimed Friday that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum attempted to escape his residence. Bazoum is now being held in an undisclosed location following the alleged escape attempt.

Bazoum has been under house arrest since a military coup overthrew his government on July 26, 2023. According to a report released by the National Council for the Protection of the Fatherland (CNSP), Bazoum, his family, his two cooks and his security elements attempted to escape the residence at around 3 AM. Their alleged plan was to escape to an unmarked vehicle that would transport them to a hideout in the Tchangearey district in the northern outskirts of Nimey. From there, the group was supposed to take helicopters, allegedly belonging to a foreign power, to Bimi Kebbi in Nigeria. Speaking on a television broadcast regarding the events, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane claimed that military forces apprehended the group, stating that “the strong reaction of the defence and security forces thwarted this plan.”

While Bazoum’s lawyers deny the escape accusations, the CNSP stated that some of the people involved were arrested and confirmed that an investigation has been opened into the event. Abdramane added that Bazoum’s “irresponsible attitude” was an attempt “to destabilise our country” by escaping to Nigeria.

The military coup in Niger has been widely condemned, drawing concern from the UN about Bazoum’s safety throughout the transition in government. After years of power struggles and coups, Bazoum was the first democratically elected president in Niger in 2021. Following the events of July, Bazoum has refused to resign from his position despite being held captive by military authorities.