Niger’s military tribunal has granted provisional release to Mohamed Bazoum Salem.
The 22-year-old Salem Bazoum had been in detention at the presidential residence with his parents since the coup in July.
The coup, one of eight in West and Central Africa since 2020, was widely condemned, led to sanctions from the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), and prompted widespread calls for Bazoum’s release and a return to democratic rule.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice last month ruled that the family’s detention was arbitrary and ordered Bazoum’s reinstatement.
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.
Niger is currently suspended from the ECOWAS, which has said the release of Bazoum and his return to power are among the conditions for easing sanctions.
