The Nigerien military has arrested three former ministers who served during the presidency of Mohamed Bazoum, overthrown during the coup in late July, a military source told Sputnik on Thursday.
According to the source, former interior minister, finance minister and oil minister have been arrested on the basis of a warrant issued by Niger's attorney general.
In addition, in early September, the Nigerien Foreign Ministry has revoked the diplomatic passports of a number of officials, including former Prime Minister Mahamadou Ouhoumoudou and ex-Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou, who were appointed by the previous authorities.
A coup took place in Niger on July 26. Bazoum was ousted and detained by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani. In late August, Tchiani announced plans to return the country to civilian rule within three years.
Following the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended all cooperation with Niger and threatened a military intervention if the rebels did not reinstate Bazoum.
In response to the threat of military interference, last Saturday, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso formed the Alliance of Sahel States, whose charter states that any attack on one of the member countries will be considered an attack on the other participants.