Abuja, Nigeria: Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has welcomed the release of former Niger President Mohammad Bazoum’s wife and son from house arrest by the ruling military junta. This development, he stated, marks a positive step towards restoring normalcy in Niger and the wider region.

Statement made available to Summit Post News on Tuesday, January 08, 2024 by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Alkasim Abdulkadir, commended the move as “a logical step in the right direction,” Ambassador Tuggar reiterated the call for the junta to expedite the release of Bazoum himself. He emphasized that allowing Bazoum to travel to a neutral third country would pave the way for further dialogue on lifting international sanctions and initiating a peaceful transition back to civilian rule.

“The people of Niger deserve stability and a return to democratic governance,” Ambassador Tuggar declared. “The continued detention of President Bazoum remains a significant obstacle to achieving this goal. We urge the junta to act swiftly and responsibly to ensure a smooth and inclusive transition that respects the will of the people.”

Beyond the immediate concerns surrounding Bazoum’s release, the Minister also expressed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting Niger’s long-term stability and development. He highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and collaboration in addressing shared challenges, such as insecurity and economic hardship.

“Niger is a close neighbor and a valued partner,” Ambassador Tuggar concluded. “Nigeria stands ready to assist in any way possible to help the country navigate this critical period and build a brighter future for its citizens.”

@Summit Post News