Niger’s junta announced on Tuesday that it had released around 50 individuals, including ministers from the government it overthrew in July 2023, following recommendations from a “national conference” held in February.
Among those freed are former ministers, a diplomat, a journalist, and soldiers accused of a 2010 coup attempt. However, ousted former president Mohamed Bazoum remains in detention despite international demands for his release.
“These individuals are being released in accordance with the recommendations of the National Forum for Reconstruction,” the government’s general secretariat stated in a televised announcement.
The released individuals include former oil minister Mahamane Sani Issoufou, son of ex-president Mahamadou Issoufou, former defence minister Kalla Moutari, ex-finance minister Ahmat Jidoud, and former energy minister Ibrahim Yacoubou. Also freed were Foumakoye Gado, president of the former ruling PNDS party, journalist Ousmane Toudou, and Alat Mogaskia, a former ambassador to Nigeria.
They had been detained following the coup that brought General Abdourahamane Tiani, the former head of the presidential guard, to power. They were held in various prisons, mainly on charges of “conspiracy to undermine the security and authority of the state.”
Former president Bazoum still faces similar charges, with his immunity lifted but no trial date set.
Additionally, soldiers previously convicted of coup attempts or “endangering state security” have been released, including General Salou Souleymane, a former chief of staff, and three other officers sentenced in 2018 to up to 15 years in prison for attempting to overthrow then-president Issoufou in 2015.
‘Forgiveness and Reconciliation’
The national conference in February solidified the junta’s rule by granting Tiani authority to remain in power for the next five years.
“I wish to reiterate my commitment to always work for forgiveness and reconciliation among Nigeriens,” Tiani said following his inauguration as president last week. “The forgiveness and reconciliation we call for cannot conflict with the legitimate aspirations of Nigeriens for justice.”
Since seizing power, Niger’s military leaders have cut ties with France, expelled French and American troops involved in counterterrorism operations, and withdrawn from regional organisations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
At the same time, the junta has strengthened alliances with Burkina Faso and Mali—both under military rule and facing similar jihadist threats. Together, they have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and deepened ties with Russia.
The three nations’ foreign ministers are scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Thursday and Friday for diplomatic talks.
