Niger’s junta has announced the release of around 50 individuals, including former ministers from the government it overthrew in July 2023. This move follows the recommendations made during the “national conference” in February.
The freed individuals include former ministers, a diplomat, a journalist, and soldiers who were accused of attempting a coup in 2010. However, ousted former president Mohamed Bazoum remains in detention, despite international calls for his release.
According to a statement read on public television by the government’s general secretariat, the individuals were freed in line with the suggestions of the National Forum for Reconstruction. Among those released are former oil minister Mahamane Sani Issoufou, the son of ex-president Mahamadou Issoufou, former defense minister Kalla Moutari, former finance minister Ahmat Jidoud, and former energy minister Ibrahim Yacoubou.
Additionally, Foumakoye Gado, president of the PNDS, the former ruling party, journalist Ousmane Toudou, and Alat Mogaskia, former ambassador to Nigeria, are also among those freed.
These individuals were arrested following the coup that brought General Abdourahamane Tiani, the former head of the presidential guard, to power. They had been detained on various charges, including “conspiracy to undermine the security and authority of the state.”
Similar charges are still pending against former president Bazoum, whose immunity was revoked without a trial date set. Additionally, soldiers who had been previously convicted of coup attempts or “endangering state security” have also been released.
This includes General Salou Souleymane, former chief of staff, and three other officers who were sentenced in 2018 to up to 15 years in prison for attempting to overthrow president Issoufou in 2015.
