Niger's military leaders have freed more than 50 individuals, including former government officials they had previously overthrown in 2023.

The list of those released includes former ministers of defense, oil, and finance, along with several high-ranking military officers who had been accused or convicted of involvement in past coup attempts.

Despite calls from the international community, ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since the military takeover, was not included in the release.

In response to inquiries from the BBC about Bazoum’s continued detention, Niger’s Justice Minister Aliyou Daouda said that the matter of his release is strictly a "national issue" tied to the country’s sovereignty and security, emphasizing that it is "an internal matter for Niger."

Bazoum is facing charges of undermining national security and committing high treason.

The move to release these individuals aligns with recommendations made during a national conference in February, which also proposed extending General Abdourahamane Tiani's rule by an additional five years.

The released individuals had been detained following the military’s coup in July 2023, facing accusations of attempting to destabilize the government.

This action could signal the junta's desire to promote national unity and gain broader public support, echoing similar actions by military regimes in neighboring Burkina Faso and Guinea.