Nigerian authorities released ex-ministers deposed in 2023

The Nigerian authorities have released about 50 people from prison, including ex-ministers from the government overthrown in 2023. This was announced on Wednesday, April 2, according to the France 24 news agency.

Among those released were former ministers, a diplomat, a journalist and soldiers accused of attempting a coup in 2010. Former President Mohamed Bazoum remains in custody despite demands for his release.

"These individuals are being released in accordance with the recommendations of the National Reconstruction Forum," the government's general secretariat said in a statement.

Among those released are former Oil Minister Mahamane Sani Issoufou, the son of ex—President Mahamadou Issoufou, who has been in power for ten years since 2011, former Defense Minister Kalla Mutari, former Finance Minister Ahmad Jidoud and former Energy Minister Ibrahim Yakubu.

The Presidential Guard staged a mutiny in Niger on July 26, 2023. The military tried to block the head of state, Mohamed Bazoum, at his residence in Niamey, and the next day they announced that he had been deposed.

After that, at an emergency summit on the situation in Niger, ECOWAS threatened to take measures, including the use of military force, if the rebels did not restore constitutional order and return the ousted president to power.