Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08NIAMEY1039
2008-10-20 14:52:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Niamey
Cable title:  

PRO-FORMER PM HAMA AMADOU SUPPORT RALLY DRAWS

Tags:  PGOV SOCI KCOR ASEC CASC NG 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO9772
PP RUEHPA
DE RUEHNM #1039 2941452
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 201452Z OCT 08
FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4632
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUZEHAA/CDR USEUCOM INTEL VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY
RHMFISS/CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L NIAMEY 001039 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/20/2018
TAGS: PGOV SOCI KCOR ASEC CASC NG
SUBJECT: PRO-FORMER PM HAMA AMADOU SUPPORT RALLY DRAWS
THOUSANDS; EVENT PROCEEDS PEACEFULLY

REF: A. NIAMEY 00632

B. NIAMEY 1028

Classified By: CDA E. Whitaker, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L NIAMEY 001039

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/20/2018
TAGS: PGOV SOCI KCOR ASEC CASC NG
SUBJECT: PRO-FORMER PM HAMA AMADOU SUPPORT RALLY DRAWS
THOUSANDS; EVENT PROCEEDS PEACEFULLY

REF: A. NIAMEY 00632

B. NIAMEY 1028

Classified By: CDA E. Whitaker, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) According to Embassy Niamey observers, on October 19,
the
Mouvement National de la Societe de Developpement (MNSD) held
a large rally for several thousand members at the Place de la
Concertation, an open-air public square in Niamey from
approximately 0900 ) 1130 (Ref A). The event speakers
called for the release of former Prime Minister Hama Amadou
from prison, where he has been since June 26, 2008 (Ref B).

2. (C) The participants dispersed following the rally in a
peaceful manner; although there were reports of plans for
demonstrations or a possible march, neither took place.
Embassy employees learned that the pro-Amadou group had
sought a parade permit, but none was issued.

3. (C) Numerous Embassy employees reported no evidence of
heightened tensions in Niamey, either on October 19 or 20,
although some did notice a higher than usual number of police
in city streets on the morning of October 19.

4. (C) Embassy sources indicated that the MNSD will hold
party leadership elections on October 25 at the Palais des
Congres to elect both a new president and possibly a
secretary general.

5. (C) Comment: October 25 will mark the four-month
imprisonment of Amadou, with followers appearing to become
increasingly dismayed with his apparent marginalization from
the anticipated 2009 presidential election. Some partisans
regard his continued detention as a selective prosecution at
a time when the GON has not released an electoral calendar
for 2009. During the week of October 13-17, the judiciary
replaced four individuals on the prosecution team, a move
seen by some as an effort to strengthen the GON,s case
against him. Finally, Embassy believes some pro-Amadou
elements had expected clemency during the Eid al-Fitr in
early October, which did not occur. End comment.
WHITAKER