Niger’s Transitional Government Strips Nationality from Seven Former Officials of Ousted Civilian Government

Niger’s transitional government has issued a decree revoking the nationality of seven former officials and associates of the civilian administration overthrown in the July 2023 coup.

Transitional President General Abdourahamane Tiani signed the decree on Tuesday, citing “various offences provided for and punishable by law,” according to a government statement broadcast on public television.

The seven individuals, including former Foreign Affairs Minister Hassoumi Massoudou and Trade Minister Alkache Alhada, are accused of offenses ranging from “terrorist attacks” to collusion with foreign powers.

Both Massoudou and Alhada are currently facing charges in the military court, with Massoudou accused of “conspiracy against the authority of the State and treason” and Alhada charged with “treason and conspiracy against the security of the State.”

Others affected by the nationality revocation include former army colonel Seydina Maman Kadela, and rebel leaders Mahmoud Sallah and Moussa Sallah, alias “Kounai.”

Mahmoud Sallah, leader of the Patriotic Liberation Front (FPL), has claimed responsibility for recent attacks on the army in northern Niger and the sabotage of a critical oil pipeline to Benin.

The government’s move follows an August directive to compile a list of individuals and entities suspected of “acts of terrorism” or activities against the nation’s strategic interests.

Earlier, in mid-October, the government provisionally stripped nine other officials of their nationality, including General Karingama Wali Ibrahim, former head of the presidential guard, and Daouda Djibo Takoubakoye, deputy chief of staff under ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who remains in detention since the coup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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