Audio By Carbonatix
The son of Niger's deposed President Mohamed Bazoum has been released by a military tribunal after spending more than five months in detention.
Salem Bazoum left for Togo after mediation efforts by regional leaders led to him being freed.
He was detained along with his parents at the presidential palace after the military staged a coup last July.
His parents remain in detention, with the junta so far refusing to bow to diplomatic pressure to release them.
In a statement, the military tribunal said that the release of Mr Bazoum Jnr was provisional, and it would be "up to him to respond to justice as soon as he is required to do so".
He had been charged with conspiracy to undermine the authority of the state following the coup.
In October, the junta alleged that the ousted president and his family, his two cooks and two security officials made a failed attempt to escape.
Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey came to Niger to escort Mr Bazoum Jnr out of the country, the tribunal's statement said.
Togo's government confirmed his release, but did not give details of his whereabouts.
Sierra Leone had also been involved in mediation efforts to secure the release of the ousted president's son, it added in a statement.
Last month, the court of the West African regional bloc Ecowas ruled that the Bazoum family's detention was arbitrary. It ordered their release, and the reinstatement of Mr Bazoum as president.
The military junta has ignored the ruling, and has said that there would be a transition of up to three years to civilian rule.
Mr Bazoum was overthrown by the head of the presidential bodyguard, Gen Abdourahamane Tiani, in a coup that was denounced by Ecowas and Western nations, including former colonial power France.
The last French troops withdrew from Niger last month on the orders of the junta.
Ecowas said it would maintain sanctions on Niger until it saw progress on a return to civilian rule.
The sanctions have contributed to a sharp rise in food prices and a shortage of some basic items in Niger.
Latest Stories
-
GPL 2025/26:Samuel Tetteh brace fires Nations FC past Basake Holy Stars
4 minutes -
Ghana’s oil trade position close to net neutral in near term – Fitch
26 minutes -
IMANI Africa President urges greater awareness and support for Parkinson’s Disease patients
37 minutes -
T-bills: Government records 29% undersubscription; interest rates continue to surge
39 minutes -
Perceptions of Judicial partisanship ‘unfortunate’ – Justice Adjei-Frimpong urges greater public engagement to build trust
42 minutes -
Ghana to honour Christina Hammock Koch for historic Artemis II mission
2 hours -
Supreme Court appointments require more than 15 years’ experience – Justice Adjei-Frimpong
2 hours -
Fire destroys 3-bedroom house at Bogyawe
2 hours -
Why the Supreme Court is a “policy court” – Justice Richard Adjei-Frimpong breaks it down
2 hours -
Playback: The Law discussed Supreme Court @150
4 hours -
MTN Momo staff walk to promote wellness and fitness
4 hours -
Assafuah: Sedina Attionu’s return from Nevada will test government’s commitment to accountability
4 hours -
How GRA’s Modified Taxation Scheme is boosting revenue compliance & SMEs competitiveness
4 hours -
Stonebwoy Can Do It: A call to unite behind 2026 BHIM Fest
5 hours -
World Shea Expo returns to Tamale for 2026 edition
5 hours