Niger: releases welcomed, but civil society calls for more
Fifty prisoners released following national conference
In Niger, a new wave of releases took place last week. Some fifty people – military personnel accused of coup attempts, political figures and a journalist – were freed. This gesture, in line with the recommendations of the February national conference, marks a first step in the implementation of a climate of political appeasement. Among those freed are several former ministers of deposed president Mohamed Bazoum, who has been held at the presidential residence in Niamey with his wife since July 26, 2023.
Civil society applauds, but calls for further action
A gesture hailed as an act of reconciliation
The M62 movement, a major player in Nigerien civil society, reacted positively to the releases. Its national coordinator, Abdoulaye Seydou, sees it as the expression of a “respected commitment” on the part of General Abdourahamane Tiani, in the name of forgiveness and reconciliation between Nigeriens. “It’s an act of justice towards detainees, particularly military detainees”, he declared.
Notable absences from the list of those released
Despite this progress, many voices are being raised to denounce the exclusion of certain emblematic figures. In particular, M62 cites Moussa Tchangari, a civil society activist arrested four months ago, and Alhassane Intinicar, president of the PNPD. TheAssociation nigérienne de lutte contre la corruption (ANLC ) also highlights the situation of deposed president Mohamed Bazoum and his wife, considered arbitrarily detained by a United Nations working group.
Cases still sensitive and relatives without news
Political figures still in detention
The fate of some former members of the overthrown government remains uncertain. Hamadou Adamou Souley, former Interior Minister arrested on the day of the coup, is the only member of the Bazoum government still officially detained. Others, such as Moustapha Barké, the CNSP’s former oil minister, were recently arrested – in his case, three months ago – and his relatives have not heard from him since.
Conclusion
The recent releases of political and military prisoners in Niger are seen as a positive signal of openness, but remain insufficient in the eyes of many civil society organizations. The demand is clear: continue the releases until all political detainees are included, including former President Bazoum. At a time when the military government is seeking to consolidate its internal and international legitimacy, the issue of detentions is becoming a key test of its genuine desire for national reconciliation. The road to a genuine return to political stability still seems strewn with pitfalls, but the dialogue has begun.
