The United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres is concerned about the living conditions and safety of detained Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and his family, the UN chief's spokesperson said in a statement.
"The Secretary-General is very concerned over the deplorable living conditions that President Bazoum and his family are reported to be living under as they continue to be arbitrarily detained by members of the Presidential Guard in Niger," the statement said.
Guterres reiterated his appeal to the coup leaders for Bazoum's "immediate and unconditional release and reinstatement as head of state."
Apart from that, the UN chief expressed concern over "continuing reports" about the arrest of several other members of the government.
"He [Guterres] urgently calls for their unconditional release, and for the strict adherence to Niger’s international human rights obligations," the statement read.
On July 26, Niger experienced a coup in which Bazoum was removed from power and detained by his own guard, led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani.
In late July, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended all financial aid to Niger, froze rebel assets and imposed a ban on commercial flights in and out of the country and closed all borders.
ECOWAS gave the coup leaders one week to bring Bazoum back to power and restore order, and did not rule out military intervention if they failed to do so. The ultimatum expired on Sunday.
The UN Security Council likewise denounced attempts to illegally change the government of Niger and called for Bazoum's immediate release.