Niger’s ruling junta has released around 50 individuals, including former ministers, a journalist, and ex-military officers, in line with February’s national conference recommendations. The freed figures include former oil minister Mahamane Sani Issoufou and former finance minister Ahmat Jidoud. Foumakoye Gado, president of the former ruling party, and Alat Mogaskia, former ambassador to Nigeria, were also released. However, ousted President Mohamed Bazoum remains detained, despite international pressure for his release. The individuals were arrested in the aftermath of the junta’s 2023 coup and detained across different prisons on charges of “conspiracy to undermine the security and authority of the state.” Meanwhile, junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani was inaugurated as the country’s president for the next five years last week.
Source: France 24
