French Official Detained by Niger Security Forces Released, France Announces

France announces the release of Stephane Jullien, a French official who was held by security forces in Niger. Jullien, an adviser to French nationals in Niger, was arrested on September 8. France had called for his immediate release and had previously condemned Niger's ruling junta for expelling the French ambassador. Despite cutting military cooperation and development aid, France has refused to withdraw its troops from Niger, stating that it recognizes the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate leader.