Niger: The role of Togolese mediation in the release of Salem Bazoum, son of Mohamed Bazoum
Salem Bazoum, son of former Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, has been released by Nigerien authorities since Monday, January 8. Under house arrest since July with his parents, Salem Bazoum obtained temporary freedom through the mediation of Faure Gnassingbé and his counterpart from Sierra Leone.
Once again, Togo’s diplomatic influence has prevailed over sanctions, threats, and intimidations from the ECOWAS, represented by a few heads of state.
Togo’s intervention with General Abdourahamane Tiani, the Nigerien president, led to the «humanitarian» release of Salem Bazoum.
Yesterday, Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof Robert Dussey, was in Niamey, where he held discussions with Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine.
«We take this opportunity to thank His Excellency Brigadier General Abdourahamane TIANI, the members of the CNSP, and Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine for their firm will and commitment to work towards appeasement, the foundation of lasting peace and effective resumption of development in our brotherly country Niger», stated Prof Robert Dussey in a press release.
The provisional release of Salem Bazoum the son of the ousted president confirms the Nigerien authorities’ determination to work towards calming the situation.
The CNSP is firmly committed to leading the transition for a return to normalcy. Last week, Mr. Zeine initiated consultations for an inclusive national dialogue to define the outlines of the transition.
Fayçal BADIE
