Niger military frees former ministers but President Bazoum still held

Niger’s military leaders have freed over 50 detainees, including former government ministers, in a move that could signal an effort to reconcile the country following the 2023 coup.

Among those released are former ministers of defence, oil, and finance, as well as several senior army officers who had been accused or convicted of plotting previous coups.

These individuals were arrested following the July 2023 coup that brought General Abdourahamane Tiani to power.

Despite international calls for his release, ousted President Mohamed Bazoum remains under house arrest, with the junta citing concerns over national security and sovereignty as the primary reasons for his continued detention.

Justice Minister Aliyou Daouda addressed the matter when asked by the BBC, saying, "The question of his release is an internal matter in Niger and only concerns Niger."

Bazoum faces accusations of undermining national security and high treason.

The decision to release the former ministers and officials was part of the recommendations from a national conference held in February.

This conference also extended General Tiani’s rule by five years, a move that has raised questions about the junta’s long-term plans.

The release could be seen as an attempt by the junta to smooth over tensions within the country and bolster support among the public.

Similar amnesty moves have been seen in neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso and Guinea, where military governments have also assumed power.

General Tiani's administration, which has been consolidating its power, has also strengthened ties with Russia while severing relationships with former colonial power France.

The junta has also called for the withdrawal of French military bases from Niger.

These developments come as relations between Niger and its neighbors, particularly Mali and Burkina Faso, have deteriorated, following their withdrawal from the West African regional bloc Ecowas.