Niger military rulers have released around 50 political detainees, including several former government ministers and army officers, in a move framed as part of a national reconciliation effort. The release comes more than eighteen months after the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and brought General Abdourahamane Tiani to power.
According to a statement broadcast on state television and attributed to the government’s general secretariat, the freed individuals were released ‘in accordance with the recommendations of the National Forum for Reconstruction’, which was held in February.
As AFP reports, the list of those released includes prominent figures from the toppled administration and past political cycles. Among them are former oil minister Mahamane Sani Issoufou, the son of ex-president Mahamadou Issoufou, former defence chief Kalla Moutari, ex-finance minister Ahmat Jidoud, and energy minister Ibrahim Yacoubou.
Other high-profile names include Foumakoye Gado, head of the former ruling party PNDS, journalist Ousmane Toudou, and Alat Mogaskia, the former ambassador to Nigeria.
Coup-era charges dropped — but Bazoum still held
The individuals had been detained in various prisons across Niger following the military takeover, most facing charges such as ‘conspiracy to undermine state authority and security’. Also among the released are military figures previously convicted for past coup attempts — including General Salou Souleymane and three officers jailed in 2018 for trying to topple President Issoufou three years earlier.
However, ousted President Mohamed Bazoum remains in detention, despite repeated calls from the international community for his immediate release. The junta has stripped him of his presidential immunity, but no trial date has been announced.
‘Forgiveness’ vs justice
The recent prisoner release follows a national conference in February that endorsed General Tiani’s rule and authorised him to remain in power for up to five more years. Speaking after his formal swearing-in last week, Tiani said: ‘I wish to reiterate my commitment to always work for forgiveness and reconciliation among Nigeriens.’
He added, however, that ‘forgiveness and reconciliation cannot conflict with the legitimate aspirations of Nigeriens for justice’ — signalling that legal proceedings against Bazoum and other high-ranking figures could still move forward.
A shift toward Sahel solidarity
Since seizing power, Niger’s military government has charted a dramatic shift in foreign relations, cutting ties with France and expelling both French and US troops. The junta has also withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), aligning instead with fellow military-led neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso.
The three countries have formalised their partnership under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), presenting a united front against jihadist insurgents and pushing back against Western influence. Their foreign ministers are scheduled to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow later this week, further strengthening their relationship with Russia.
Niger’s latest prisoner release appears to be a strategic gesture — both domestically and internationally — aimed at showing a willingness to reconcile internally while solidifying new alliances abroad. (Africabriefing)
