Niger Frees Former Ministers After Coup, But Keeps Ousted President Under House Arrest
More than 50 former officials, including ex-ministers of defence, oil, and finance, have been released by Niger’s military rulers, though ousted President Mohamed Bazoum remains detained.
Niger’s military leadership has released over 50 political detainees, including several prominent former ministers and senior military officers, who were arrested following the July 2023 coup. Among those freed are the former ministers of defence, oil, and finance—key figures in the ousted government—along with military officials previously accused or convicted of participating in past coup attempts.
Despite growing international pressure, President Mohamed Bazoum, who was deposed during the coup and placed under house arrest, was not included among those released. Justice Minister Aliyou Daouda defended the decision, telling the BBC that Bazoum’s detention was a matter of "national security and sovereignty." He emphasized that decisions about the former president’s fate are internal matters and should be determined solely by Niger.
Bazoum faces charges of high treason and allegedly compromising national security.
The recent releases follow recommendations made during a national dialogue held in February, which also endorsed a five-year extension of General Abdourahamane Tiani’s rule. General Tiani seized power in the 2023 coup and currently leads the military government.
Analysts suggest the mass release may be part of a broader effort by the junta to ease political tensions and gain public support. Similar gestures of reconciliation have been seen in other West African nations under military rule, including Burkina Faso and Guinea.
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