Salem Bazoum, son of the ousted Niger president Mohamed Bazoum following last year’s coup, was granted provisional release on Monday, as confirmed by a Niamey military tribunal.
As per a court document reviewed by AFP, Salem Bazoum has been granted “provisional release” after being in detention alongside his parents since the seizure of power by the presidential guard on July 26, 2023.
The document outlined that the responsibility lies with him to “address justice as soon as he is summoned.”
The presidential residence is where the 22-year-old’s parents are currently held in custody.
According to a source familiar with the ousted president, Salem Bazoum left Niamey for Lome, the capital of Togo, and reached his destination on Monday evening.
Bazoum’s release was confirmed by a statement from the Togolese government, acknowledging mediation efforts by Togo and Sierra Leone, but offering no specifics on his whereabouts.
Niger has been under the rule of military leaders since the overthrow of elected President Bazoum, drawing widespread international condemnation.
Military ruler General Abdourahamane Tiani has stated that his regime aims for a transition back to civilian government within a timeframe of up to three years.
Togo, along with other West African states, is actively participating in the mediation efforts with the Nigerien military regime.
Read also: Niger Junta Rejects Offer To Free Ex-Leader Mohamed Bazoum
According to Nigerien public television, Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey met with Niger’s junta-appointed prime minister during his visit to Niamey on Monday.
This followed a trip by Dussey in mid-December, when he said he had reached an agreement “on the content and timing of the transition” with the prime minister.
The new military regime in Niger has opted for a more distant relationship with its previously close European partners, particularly France, while forging stronger connections with two neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, both under military rule due to recent coups.
In December, the last contingent of French troops completed their withdrawal from Niger.
Similar to Burkina Faso and Mali, Niger has confronted ongoing jihadist violence, particularly in the Tri-border area where the three Sahel countries intersect.
Following the removal of Bazoum, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed stringent economic and financial sanctions on Niamey.
A shortage of essential items, such as medicine, and a spike in food prices are impacting one of the world’s poorest countries.
Togo is one of several countries which have recently softened their position towards the Nigerien authorities.
Last month, Benin’s President Patrice Talon urged for the expeditious re-establishment of relations between his country and neighboring Niger.
After five months of sanctions, Benin lifted the suspension on imported goods transiting to Niger through the port of Cotonou just a week later.
Currently under suspension from ECOWAS, Niger’s status is contingent on the release of Bazoum and his restoration to power, as outlined in the conditions for easing sanctions.
Arrests have been made among several former officials of the toppled government, and others have chosen exile.
The former energy minister, Ibrahim Yacoubou, was taken into custody last week upon his return to the country.