NIGER: MNJ ANNOUNCES POSSIBLE RESPITE DURING

UNCLAS NIAMEY 001184 SIPDIS SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (ADDRESSEE ADDED) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PINS MOPS SOCI NG SUBJECT: NIGER: MNJ ANNOUNCES POSSIBLE RESPITE DURING RAMADAN, MAYOR OF TCHIROZERINE JOINS MNJ REF: A. NIAMEY 1055 ¶B. NIAMEY 1112 ¶1. Mouvement des Nigeriens pour la Justice (MNJ) has no plan to conduct any attacks during Ramadan, but will retaliate if its members are attacked, according to MNJ spokesperson Dr. Dangana Ahmed. The MNJ spokesperson made the announcement during a telephone interview with a local Voice of America (VOA) announcer on the eve (September 11) of Ramadan which was broadcast on Radio Anfani. The MNJ spokesperson called for Khaddafi's mediation of the conflict in the north. ¶2. Also on September 11, Mayor of Tchirozerine, Issouf Ag Maha, sent to journalists an announcement that he had joined the MNJ. (Note: Tchirozerine is approximately 200 kilometers northwest of the city of Agadez. End note.) A rough translation of his announcement states: Quote. About eight months ago, the MNJ took up arms in Niger and made political demands. All possible avenues were contemplated to permit the Nigerien authorities to accept a dialogue and return to peace. Today, the Government of Niger has created conditions that incite the population towards hate and civil war. The nation counts its dead and the mourning families. The issue, in spite of its extreme severity is treated in the street with gross casualness. The elected officials no longer find their role in the face of a militarized power and a martyred population. It is intolerable for us to remain powerless and passive witnesses to the suffering of our people in flesh and soul. Given that the current government is incapable of responding to the most basic aspirations of Niger and Nigeriens, from whom the truth is hidden, we have no other choice but to rally behind the MNJ as it carries the torch of justice and respect for the people. I ask Nigerien youth to resist the intimidations and to continue to believe in justice and freedom so that our country can again find its place among the chorus of nations. I appeal to the international community to assist Nigeriens in this moment of painful existence. Issouf Ag Maha, Mayor of Tchirozerine. End quote. ALLEN