Niger’s military leaders have released more than 50 detainees, including the government minister they overthrew in 2023.
These include former Defense, Oil and Finance ministers and several senior military officers, convicted or charged with planning a previous coup.
President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been arrested in the House of Representatives since the military takeover in 2023, has not listed those released despite international calls for the release of him.
When the BBC asked President Bazum about continuing his detention, Attorney General Aliyou Daouda cited the concern of “national security and sovereignty”.
Attorney General Aliyou Daouda told the BBC: “The issue he released is an internal issue in Niger and only cares about Niger.”
Bazum is charged with undermining national security and high treason.
The release of others was a proposal from a national meeting held in February, while extending General Abdullahham Tyani’s rule for five years.
The released minister and official were arrested after the July 2023 coup, which brought General Ziani to power and was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to undermine national security and authority.
This move may be an attempt by the junta to reconcile the country and gain mass support.
The military governments in Burkina Faso and Guinea also approved similar amnesty.
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