NIGERIA’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has commended the release of former President Mohammad Bazoum’s wife and son from house arrest by The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, the ruling military junta in Niger.
Tuggar, who is also the Chairperson of the Mediation and Security Council, said it is a logical step in bringing normalcy back to the country and the region in general.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser, Media and Communications Strategy to the minister, Alkassim Abdulkadir, Tuesday, Tuggar reiterated the call to the government led by General 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 and to initiate the transition to constitutional rule in the interest of the people, peace and stability of Niger and the region.
Bazoum’s 22-year-old son had been in detention at the presidential residence with his parents since the coup in July.
The coup, one of eight in West and Central Africa since 2020, was widely condemned, led to sanctions from the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), and prompted widespread calls for Bazoum’s release and a return to democratic rule.
Niger has been ruled by military leaders since the overthrow of elected president Bazoum, which prompted international condemnation. Military ruler General Abdourahamane Tchiani has said his regime wants up to three years for a transition back to a civilian government.
