The Niger junta announced on Tuesday evening, April 1, 2025, the release of around 50 individuals, including former ministers from the ousted civilian Government, in line with the recommendations from the “national forums” held in February.
The move follows months of political tension after the military coup in July 2023 that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. The announcement was made via a statement read on national television by the Secretary-General of the Government.
Among those released are high-profile figures such as Mahamane Sani Issoufou, former Minister of Petroleum and son of the previous president, Mahamadou Issoufou, who participated in the national forums. Other released detainees include Kalla Moutari, former Minister of Defence, Ahmed Djidoud, former Minister of Finance, and Ibrahim Yacoubou, former Minister of Energy. In addition to former ministers, political leaders, an ex-ambassador, a journalist, and military personnel accused of attempted coups in the 2010s were also freed.
Despite the release of several key figures, the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum remains in detention. The junta emphasized that these releases were in line with the ongoing efforts for national reconciliation and the rebuilding of the nation after the coup.