Salem Bazoum, the 22-year-old son of Niger’s ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who had been detained at the presidential residence since the July 2023 coup, was provisionally released, according to a statement from the Niamey military tribunal. The fate of Salem’s parents was not disclosed. The coup, one of eight in West and Central Africa since 2020, drew widespread condemnation and led to sanctions from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Niger, suspended from ECOWAS, is negotiating with regional mediators, including Togo and Sierra Leone, for a transition back to civilian rule. Salem Bazoum reportedly left Niamey for Lome, Togo, after his release. Niger’s military rulers seek up to three years for the transition. Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey recently visited Niamey, signaling ongoing mediation efforts and a potential easing of ECOWAS sanctions.
