Niger’s military government has freed over 50 detainees, including former ministers of defense, oil, and finance, as well as senior army officers accused of past coup plots. However, ousted President Mohamed Bazoum remains under house arrest despite international pressure for his release.
Justice Minister Aliyou Daouda defended Bazoum’s continued detention, citing national security concerns. The releases follow recommendations from a national conference that also extended General Abdourahamane Tiani’s rule by five years. Since the 2023 coup, Niger has distanced itself from France, strengthened ties with Russia, and exited the West African bloc ECOWAS alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.
