The military junta in Niger Republic has released the wife and son of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum from house arrest after spending months of restriction. Bazoum’s family were placed under house arrest since the coup that toppled their father’s government on July 26, 2023, lead by the National Council for the Safeguard of Homeland, the ruling military junta in Niger. The Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, made this known today while commending the junta for the development.
In a statement signed by Tuggar Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the minister said it was a logical step in returning normalcy to Niger and the region in general.
Tuggar, who was also the Chairperson of the Mediation and Security Council of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), reiterated his call to Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, lead administration to consider Mohammed Bazoum also for a similar gesture by releasing him from custody, and allow him to exit the country as a step towards lifting sanctions imposed on their country.
The Minister was optimistic that the release of Bazoum will be a stepping stone to transition to constitutional rule in the interest of the Niger people as well as peace and stability of the region.
Immediately after ousting President Mohamed Bazoum from power, the Presidential Guard commander, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, declared himself the leader of a new military junta, shortly after confirming the coup a success.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS had issued an ultimatum to the junta leaders, threatening military intervention failure by the coup plotters to reinstate Bazoum back to power.
Consequently, ECOWAS member states suspended relations with Niger and closed their land and air borders with the country. (NAN)
