Foreign affairs minister praises ex-Niger president’s wife and son release
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, expressed his approval on Tuesday for the release of Khadija Bazoum, the wife, and Salem Bazoum, the son, of former President Mohammad Bazoum of Niger Republic from house arrest.
Bazoum had been confined to his residence in the presidential palace since the military ousted him on July 26, 2023. While his son, Salem, has been released, there is no information regarding the fate of the president, as per the announcement by the country’s military tribunal.
According to Aljazeera, the tribunal provisionally released the 22-year-old Salem Bazoum, who had been arrested alongside his parents during the coup that toppled his father.
Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Mediation and Security Council, welcomed the release as a crucial step towards restoring normalcy in the country and the broader region.
In a statement released by his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the minister reiterated the call for General Abdourahamane Tchiani’s government to expedite the release of Mohammad Bazoum.
Ambassador Tuggar urged the authorities to permit the former president to relocate to a third country, signaling a willingness for further discussions on lifting sanctions and facilitating the transition to constitutional rule.
This, he emphasized, is essential for the well-being, peace, and stability of Niger and the surrounding region.