Niger's military leaders have released more than 50 detainees, including former ministers in the government they toppled in 2023.

Among them are the former ministers of defence, oil and finance, as well as several senior army officers, convicted or accused of plotting previous coups.

Ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since the 2023 military takeover, was not on the list of those released despite international calls for him to be freed.

When the BBC asked about President Bazoum's continued detention, Justice Minister Aliyou Daouda cited "national security and sovereignty" concerns.

"The question of his release is an internal matter in Niger and only concerns Niger," Daouda told the BBC.

Bazoum is accused of undermining national security and high treason.

The release of the others is among the recommendations of a national conference held in February, along with extending the rule of General Abdourahmane Tchiani by five years.

The freed ministers and officials were arrested after the July 2023 coup which brought Gen Tchiani to power, and had been held for alleged conspiracy to undermine state security and authority.

This move could be an attempt by the junta to reconcile the country and gain popular support.

Similar amnesties have been granted by military governments in Burkina Faso and Guinea.

Since seizing power, Gen Tchiani's administration has strengthened relations with Russia and cut ties with France.

It has also urged the ex-colonial power to withdraw its military bases from the country.

Niger's relations have also soured with its neighbours. Along with Mali and Burkina Faso, where the military has also seized power, it has withdrawn from the West African regional bloc Ecowas.