Foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar, on Tuesday, commended the release of the dethroned Niger President Mohammad Bazoum’s wife and son from house arrest.

Mr Bazoum’s family have been under house arrest since the coup on July 26, 2023, by the National Council for the Safeguard of Homeland, the ruling military junta in Niger.

The minister said this in a statement signed by his media aid Alkasim Abdulkadir.

It said Mr Tuggar, who was also the chairperson of the Mediation and Security Council of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), said it was a logical step in returning normalcy to Niger and the region in general.

Mr Tuggar reiterated the call to the government, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, to hasten the release of Mohammed Bazoum from its custody and allow him to fly to a third country as a step towards further talks on lifting sanctions.

According to Mr Tuggar, the release of Bazoum will also initiate the transition to constitutional rule in the interest of the people, peace and stability of Niger and the region.

On July 26, 2023, a coup d’état occurred in Niger.

The country’s presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum, and Presidential Guard commander Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani proclaimed himself the leader of a new military junta shortly after confirming the coup was a success.

ECOWAS issued an ultimatum to the coup leaders, threatening military intervention if deposed Bazoum was not returned to power.

ECOWAS member states suspended relations with Niger and closed their land and air borders with the country.

(NAN)