Latest news with #Bazoum
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Niger's junta frees dozens of former officials and military officers detained after 2023 coup
NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — Niger's military junta has freed dozens of former government officials and military officers detained after a coup in 2023 as part of what military authorities have described as efforts to reform the country. The officials were released from prisons with immediate effect "in accordance with recommendations from the national reform conference,' according to a statement read on state television late Tuesday, referring to a recent conference that also set out how the country may transition to democratic rule. Some of the officials had worked in the cabinet of the deposed administration of President Mohamed Bazoum. Among those freed were Mahamane Sani Issoufou, former oil minister and son of ex-president Mahamadou Issoufou, and Foumakoye Gado, president of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, the ruling party under Bazoum's administration. Activists and at least one journalist were also freed, as well as military officials in detention before the coup, including those accused of attempting to overthrow Bazoum's government. Others have been detained for much longer for other alleged offences, including 'conspiracy against state security." Their freedom came days after junta leader Abdourahamane Tchiani was sworn as the country's president for a transition period of five years under a new charter that replaced the West African nation's constitution.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Niger's military leaders free ministers, but not ousted president
Niger's military leaders have released more than 50 detainees, including former ministers in the government they toppled in 2023. Among them are the former ministers of defence, oil and finance, as well as several senior army officers, convicted or accused of plotting previous coups. Ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since the 2023 military takeover, was not on the list of those released despite international calls for him to be freed. When the BBC asked about President Bazoum's continued detention, Justice Minister Aliyou Daouda cited "national security and sovereignty" concerns. Niger coup leader sworn in as president for five years How has Niger changed since the coup? Three military-run states leave West African bloc - what will change? "The question of his release is an internal matter in Niger and only concerns Niger," Justice Minister Aliyou Daouda told the BBC. Bazoum is accused of undermining national security and high treason. The release of the others is among the recommendations of a national conference held in February, along with extending the rule of General Abdourahamane Tiani by five years. The freed ministers and officials were arrested after the July 2023 coup which brought General Tchiani to power, and had been held for alleged conspiracy to undermine state security and authority. This move could be an attempt by the junta to reconcile the country and gain popular support. Similar amnesties have been granted by military governments in Burkina Faso and Guinea. The region with more 'terror deaths' than rest of world combined 'France takes us for idiots' - Inside coup-hit Niger Why young Africans are celebrating military takeovers Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
Washington Post
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Niger's junta frees dozens of former officials and military officers detained after 2023 coup
NIAMEY, Niger — Niger's military junta has freed dozens of former government officials and military officers detained after a coup in 2023 as part of what military authorities have described as efforts to reform the country. The officials were released from prisons with immediate effect 'in accordance with recommendations from the national reform conference,' according to a statement read on state television late Tuesday, referring to a recent conference that also set out how the country may transition to democratic rule . Some of the officials had worked in the cabinet of the deposed administration of President Mohamed Bazoum. Among those freed were Mahamane Sani Issoufou, former oil minister and son of ex-president Mahamadou Issoufou, and Foumakoye Gado, president of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, the ruling party under Bazoum's administration. Activists and at least one journalist were also freed, as well as military officials in detention before the coup, including those accused of attempting to overthrow Bazoum's government. Others have been detained for much longer for other alleged offences, including 'conspiracy against state security.' Their freedom came days after junta leader Abdourahamane Tchiani was sworn as the country's president for a transition period of five years under a new charter that replaced the West African nation's constitution.
Associated Press
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Niger's junta frees dozens of former officials and military officers detained after 2023 coup
NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — Niger's military junta has freed dozens of former government officials and military officers detained after a coup in 2023 as part of what military authorities have described as efforts to reform the country. The officials were released from prisons with immediate effect 'in accordance with recommendations from the national reform conference,' according to a statement read on state television late Tuesday, referring to a recent conference that also set out how the country may transition to democratic rule. Some of the officials had worked in the cabinet of the deposed administration of President Mohamed Bazoum. Among those freed were Mahamane Sani Issoufou, former oil minister and son of ex-president Mahamadou Issoufou, and Foumakoye Gado, president of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, the ruling party under Bazoum's administration. Activists and at least one journalist were also freed, as well as military officials in detention before the coup, including those accused of attempting to overthrow Bazoum's government. Others have been detained for much longer for other alleged offences, including 'conspiracy against state security.' Their freedom came days after junta leader Abdourahamane Tchiani was sworn as the country's president for a transition period of five years under a new charter that replaced the West African nation's constitution.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mounting calls to free Niger's deposed president
Niger's democratically elected former President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife Hadiza have spent more than 20 months in detention by a military that seized power in 2023 and this week cemented its grip on power. A former high school philosophy teacher who went on to become Niger's interior minister, Bazoum represented a break with the past: His presidential inauguration in 2021 was hailed as the first peaceful democratic transition in the West African nation since it gained independence from France in 1960. But he was ousted only two years later as Niger followed in the footsteps of neighboring Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso in returning to military rule. On Wednesday, coup leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani was sworn in as Niger's president for a 'transitional' five years. Bazoum's supporters have launched a global campaign for the 65-year-old's release as they worry he and his wife are being forgotten. 'They're being used as hostages, as human shields, for their captors, who actually rule from the same palace,' Jeffrey Smith, executive director of advocacy group Vanguard Africa, told Semafor, urging world leaders to call for their release.
