Mohamed Toumba (center), a prominent member of the National Council for the Protection of the Fatherland, greets supporters of the coup at a stadium in Niamey, the capital of Niger, on Sunday. Photo: Khamer Times
By Daisy Okiring
Niger’s ruling junta has released approximately 50 detainees, including former government ministers, a diplomat, a journalist, and military officers previously accused of coup attempts.
The release, announced on Tuesday, follows recommendations from the National Forum for Reconstruction, a political conference held in February aimed at shaping the country’s governance after the July 2023 coup.
Despite the mass release, former President Mohamed Bazoum remains in detention, defying international calls for his freedom.
“These individuals are being released in accordance with the recommendations of the National Forum for Reconstruction,” the government’s general secretariat stated in an announcement broadcast on state television.
The freed ones
Among those freed are 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. Other key figures released include the former ruling PNDS party president Foumakoye Gado, journalist Ousmane Toudou, and Niger’s former ambassador to Nigeria, Alat Mogaskia.
The detainees had been held in various prisons across the country following the coup that ousted Bazoum and brought General Abdourahamane Tiani to power. The junta accused the former government of failing to address economic and security crises, citing these as the primary reasons for the military takeover.
Read more: Myanmar earthquake death toll reaches 1,644
Military officers previously convicted of coup attempts or accused of “endangering state security” were also among those released. These include General Salou Souleymane, a former Chief of Staff, and three officers who were sentenced to up to 15 years in prison in 2018 for attempting to overthrow then-President Mahamadou Issoufou in 2015.
Junta leader calls for ‘forgiveness and reconciliation’
During his formal inauguration as head of state last week, Tiani emphasized the need for unity among Nigeriens.
“I wish to reiterate my commitment to always work for forgiveness and reconciliation among Nigeriens,” Tiani declared. “The forgiveness and reconciliation we call for cannot conflict with the legitimate aspirations of Nigeriens for justice.”
Despite these remarks, Bazoum’s continued detention remains a point of contention both locally and internationally. The junta stripped him of his presidential immunity, accusing him of conspiracy to undermine state security. However, no trial date has been set, fueling speculation that the military regime intends to keep him in custody indefinitely.
Niger strengthens ties with Russia, breaks from Western allies
Since taking power, Niger’s military leaders have cut diplomatic and military ties with France, expelling French troops stationed in the country to combat jihadist insurgencies. In a further shift, the junta has also expelled American military forces, signaling a major realignment in Niger’s foreign policy.
In January, Niger officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing the bloc’s economic sanctions following the coup as unjust and harmful to its sovereignty. Instead, the country has deepened its alliance with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali—both under military rule. Together, the three nations have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a regional bloc aimed at security cooperation and economic independence.
Read more:Ruto, Mnangagwa intensify efforts to solve DRC conflict
The junta has also moved closer to Russia, following in the footsteps of Mali and Burkina Faso. This week, Niger’s Foreign Minister, alongside his counterparts from Burkina Faso and Mali, is scheduled to visit Moscow for high-level discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
As Niger continues to navigate its post-coup transition, the release of former government officials signals a potential shift toward political reconciliation. However, with Bazoum’s fate still uncertain and the country distancing itself from its traditional Western allies, the long-term direction of Niger’s military government remains unclear.
