Niger releases former oil minister at the centre of regional energy dispute

Mahaman Moustapha Barké, former Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum of Niger, was released after nearly twelve months in detention with no publicly stated reason. The information was confirmed on Tuesday by a family member and a former aide, both speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons. Appointed to his position in August 2023 by the military regime in power, Mr Barké was arrested on 13 January 2025 at his home in Niamey. The authorities have never communicated the reasons for his arrest or the conditions of his release.