Niger’s junta announced on Tuesday that it had released around 50 individuals, including former ministers and soldiers, in line with the recommendations of a “national conference” held in February. These individuals were detained after the coup in July 2023, which brought General Abdourahamane Tiani to power.
The list of those freed includes high-profile figures such as former oil minister Mahamane Sani Issoufou, ex-defense minister Kalla Moutari, former finance minister Ahmat Jidoud, and former energy minister Ibrahim Yacoubou. Also released were Foumakoye Gado, the president of the PNDS, Niger’s former ruling party, and journalist Ousmane Toudou. Additionally, Alat Mogaskia, the former ambassador to Nigeria, was also among those freed.
These individuals were arrested following the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, and they faced charges of “conspiracy to undermine the security and authority of the state.” However, despite international calls for his release, former President Bazoum remains in detention, with charges pending against him.
Also included in the amnesty were soldiers previously convicted for their involvement in coup attempts or charges related to “endangering state security.” Notable among them were General Salou Souleymane, the former chief of staff, and three officers sentenced in 2018 for their role in a failed coup attempt against then-President Issoufou in 2015.
The release of these individuals follows the national conference held in February, which also reinforced the junta’s grip on power, granting General Tiani a five-year mandate. During his inauguration last week, Tiani reiterated his commitment to “forgiveness and reconciliation,” emphasizing that these values should align with the legitimate aspirations of the Nigerien people for justice.
Since taking power, Niger’s military government has severed ties with France and expelled French and American troops involved in counterterrorism efforts in the region. The junta has also withdrawn from organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and has strengthened its alliances with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, both under military rule, in a bloc known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The three countries have also moved closer to Russia, with their foreign ministers scheduled to visit Moscow later this week for talks.
