Niger coup: EU concerned over detained president's condition, Brussels Airlines cancels flights

The EU on Friday expressed its "deep concern" at the "deteriorating conditions of detention" of Mohamed Bazoum, Niger's democratically elected president. His government was overthrown by the military on 26 July. The EU also reiterated its call for his immediate release.

"According to the latest information, President Bazoum and his family have been without food, electricity and medical care for several days. President Bazoum has dedicated his life to improving the daily lives of the people of Niger. There is no justification for this treatment," EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell tweeted.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) further said it would meet in Ghana on Saturday to discuss the situation in Niger. ECOWAS troops are on standby for a possible intervention in the country, but the alliance wants to try to resolve the situation peacefully first.

Cancelled flights

Meanwhile, Brussels Airlines has cancelled flights to Luanda, the capital of Angola, for the next two weeks. Last Sunday, the military leaders behind the coup closed Niger's airspace. The Brussels-Kinshasa-Luanda flight will only operate between Brussels and Kinshasa (Congo) until 26 August, after which the situation will be reassessed.

The airline already had to divert flights to 12 of its 17 destinations earlier this week, resulting in significantly longer flight times. It expects to continue operating all its other African flights, including those to Burkina Faso, Niger's neighbour and a supporter of the coup.

^{Mohamed Bazoum during a state visit to France in June 2023. © Xose Bouzas / Hans Lucas via AFP}