Niger’s military leaders free ministers, hold Bazoum

Niger’s military leaders have released over 50 detainees, including former ministers in the government they toppled in 2023.

Among them are the former ministers of defence, oil and finance, as well as several senior army officers, convicted or accused of plotting previous coups.
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But ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since the 2023 military takeover, was not on the list of those released despite international calls for him to be freed.

When the BBC asked about President Bazoum’s continued detention, Justice Minister Aliyou Daouda cited “national security and sovereignty” concerns.