Niger's junta released around 50 people Tuesday, including former ministers, a diplomat, a journalist and soldiers linked to a 2010 coup attempt, following a national conference recommendation. Former President Mohamed Bazoum is still being detained despite global demands for his release.
Niger's junta said Tuesday it had freed around 50 people, including ministers from the government it toppled in July 2023, in line with recommendations of a "national conference" in February.
Those freed include former ministers, a diplomat, a journalist and soldiers accused of a coup bid in 2010. However ousted former presidentMohamed Bazoum is still in detentiondespite international calls for his release.
"These individuals are being released in accordance with the recommendations of the National Forum for Reconstruction," the government's general secretariat said in a statement read on public television.
Those released include former oil minister Mahamane Sani Issoufou, the son of ex-presidentMahamadou Issoufouwho was in power for a decade from 2011, ex-defence minister Kalla Moutari, former finance minister Ahmat Jidoud and former energy minister Ibrahim Yacoubou.
The president of the PNDS former ruling party, Foumakoye Gado, and journalist Ousmane Toudou are also among those freed, along with Alat Mogaskia, former ambassador toNigeria.
They were arrested after the coup that brought to power General Abdourahamane Tiani,former head of the presidential guard, and were being held in various prisons, notably for "conspiracy to undermine the security and authority of the state".
Similar charges are pending against former president Bazoum, whose immunity was lifted without a trial date being set.
Soldiers previously convicted of coup bids or "endangering state security" were also released, including general Salou Souleymane, former chief of staff, and three other officers sentenced in 2018 to up to 15 years in prison for trying to overthrow president Issoufou in 2015.
'Forgiveness'
The national conference held in February strengthened the ruling junta byauthorising Tiani to remain in power in Niger for the next five years.
"I wish to reiterate my commitment to always work for forgiveness and reconciliation among Nigerians," junta leader Tiani declared after his inauguration as president last week.
"The forgiveness and reconciliation we call for cannot conflict with the legitimate aspirations of Nigerians for justice."
Since coming to power, Niger's military rulers have severed relations withFranceand expelled French and American soldiers engaged in a battle against jihadists.
They have alsoleft organisations such as the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS).
At the same time it has moved closer to its two neighbours,Burkina FasoandMali, both governed by military leaders and facing the same deadly jihadist attacks.
Together they have formed a group known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and strengthened ties withRussia.
Their three foreign ministers are expected inMoscowon Thursday and Friday for talks with their Russian counterpartSergei Lavrov.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Originally published on France24
