By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The junta-led government in Niger has released over 50 people held in detention, including former ministers and loyalists who served under ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
The freed ministers and officials were arrested in 2023 following a coup in July of that year, which overthrew the democratically elected government and brought General Abdourahamane Tchiani to power.
They had been detained over alleged conspiracy to undermine state security and authority.
Among those released are former ministers of defence, oil, and finance, as well as several senior army officers, some of whom had been convicted or accused of plotting previous coups.
Despite international pressure on the junta to free Bazoum who has been in detention since 2023, he was not among the over 50 individuals released by the Tchiani-led government.
When asked about President Bazoum’s continued detention, Justice Minister Aliyou Daouda cited “national security and sovereignty” concerns, according to a BBC report.
“The question of his release is an internal matter in Niger and only concerns Niger,” the Justice Minister told the BBC.
Authorities have accused Bazoum of undermining national security and committing high treason.
The release of his former officials is part of the recommendations of a national conference held in February, which also called for extending military rule by five years.
Analysts believe the move is aimed at reconciliation and gaining public support.
Meanwhile, in junta-led Burkina Faso, an amnesty has been initiated to free those responsible for the 2015 coup, granting some of them the opportunity to rejoin the military. However, they will not be entitled to unpaid wages accrued during their detention.
