Niger junta frees ministers of overthrown government

NIAMEY, Niger's junta said it had freed around 50 people, including ministers of the government it toppled in July 2023, in a move the said was to promote "national conference" in February.

- 

NIGER'S junta said Tuesday it had freed around 50 people, including ministers from the government it toppled in July 2023, in line with recommendations of a "national conference" in February.

Those freed include former ministers, a diplomat, a journalist and soldiers accused of a coup bid in 2010.

However ousted former president Mohamed Bazoum is still in detention despite international calls for his release.

"These individuals are being released in accordance with the recommendations of the National Forum for Reconstruction," the government's general secretariat said in a statement read on public television.