The authorities in Niger have released two prominent opposition politicians who were arrested on Friday in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate the president, Ibrahim Bare Mainassara.

The two men, Bazoum Mohammed and Issoufou Assoumane, were detained after giving interviews to foreign radio stations denouncing the plot allegations as a ploy to incriminate opposition figures.

Eight other opposition politicians arrested at the same time, including a former civilian prime minister, Hama Amadou, remain in prison.

President Mainassara seized power two years ago in a military coup -- ending Niger's brief period of civilian rule.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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