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

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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.

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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.

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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."

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

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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.

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

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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.

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