By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The son of Niger’s deposed President Mohamed Bazoum has been released by a military court in the country’s capital Niamey, after spending more than five months in detention.
The 22-year-old Salem Bazoum had been in detention at the presidential residence with his parents since the coup in July.
The court was however silent on the fate of Salem’s parents.
In a statement, the military tribunal said that the release of Bazoum Jnr was provisional, and it would be “up to him to respond to justice as soon as he is required to do so”.
He had been charged with conspiracy to undermine the authority of the state following the coup.
In October, the junta alleged that the ousted president and his family, his two cooks and two security officials made a failed attempt to escape.
Last month, the court of the West African regional bloc Ecowas ruled that the Bazoum family’s detention was arbitrary. It ordered their release, and the reinstatement of Mr Bazoum as president.
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The military junta has ignored the ruling, and has said that there would be a transition of up to three years to civilian rule.
Mr Bazoum was overthrown by the head of the presidential bodyguard, Gen Abdourahamane Tiani, in a coup that was denounced by ECOWAS and Western nations, including former colonial power France.
Niger is currently suspended from the ECOWAS, which has said the release of Bazoum and his return to power are among the conditions for easing sanctions.
