SULTAN OF AGADEZ CALLS ON AMBASSADOR

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NIAMEY 000112

DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/RSA AND DS

PLS PASS TO USAID FOR AFR/W
PLS PASS TO TSCTP COLLECTIVE

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SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV SCUL PHUM SOCI ASEC CASC PTER NG
SUBJECT: SULTAN OF AGADEZ CALLS ON AMBASSADOR

Ref: Niamey 00090


1. (SBU) Summary: During a February 12 luncheon, the Sultan of
Agadez told Ambassador that the security situation in Niger's north
had improved, with fewer abuses by the military, although sporadic
attacks by rebels and smugglers continued. His efforts to get
insurgents to cease their hostilities, however, had not succeeded,
and the conflict had destroyed tourism, harming the region's
economy. Although there were missed opportunities to discuss peace
with MNJ members in Tripoli last year, he is now working on an
upcoming peace conference in Niamey (reftel). Regarding Qadafi's AU
chairmanship, the Sultan said growing international recognition of
Tripoli had made his leadership more palatable to African nations.
End summary.


2. (SBU) On February 12, Elhadji Ibrahim Oumarou, Sultan of Agadez,
paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Allen. The Ambassador and the
Sultan discussed issues relating to security in northern Niger, how
it affects the local economy, and prospects for the restoration of
peace in the region. The Ambassador received the Sultan and his two
sons Mohamed and Ousmane, DCM Whitaker, and Political FSN Idi Moussa
(note taker) for lunch at the Official Residence (CMR). Following
are the Sultan's responses to our questions.

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Sultan: Security in North Improved, Conflict Disruptive
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3. (SBU) The Sultan said that the security situation in Niger's
north had improved overall, despite sporadic attacks by presumed
Mouvement des Nigeriens pour la Justice (MNJ) members and other
armed robbers and smugglers. He stated that on many occasions he
had called upon those "young people who took arms" (referring to the
MNJ) to stop their militancy in the best interests of the region and
the country as a whole. "They would listen and stop for a while,
and then resume," he said. The Sultan mentioned that the conflict
had seriously affected economic activities in Agadez and destroyed
one of the region's vital sectors - tourism.

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Libya: Missed Opportunities and Qadafi's AU Chairmanship
--------------


4. (SBU) In August-September 2008, Libyan leader Qadafi invited
several Saharan traditional chiefs and other community leaders to
Tripoli on the occasion of Libya's national day. During his stay in
Libya, the Sultan attempted to establish contact with MNJ leaders
also there who occasionally called on him to pay their respects, but
was not able to meet with them.

5. (SBU) When asked whether African leaders would trust Qadafi as AU
Chairman, the Sultan said that African leaders had no reason to be
reluctant, because several Western powers had resumed relations with
Libya - including the United States - and therefore Africans could
do the same.

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Sultan: Rising Interest in Peace for the North
-------------- --


6. (SBU) Last year, community members expressed their concerns to
the Sultan about the fighting in the north and its consequences,
especially the military's abuses against civilians. According to
the Sultan, there were fewer complaints this year.


7. (SBU) Regarding efforts to end the two-year conflict, the Sultan
said that a peace forum would be possible, and that he was
conducting consultations with authorities in Niamey to carry out
this initiative.

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Voter Registration and Elections
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8. (SBU) On the issue of whether potential voters in the Agadez
region would be able to complete formalities required to fully
participate in local, legislative and Presidential elections
currently planned for 2009 (exact timing still to be determined),
the Sultan noted that citizens were able to register in the larger
cities in the Agadez region. He said he and his family members were
among the many residents in Agadez who had completed the
registration process. He added that he expects citizens who wish to
vote will be able to return to the same locations in the larger
cities to vote when elections are officially launched.

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NIAMEY 00000112 002 OF 002


Biodata and Cultural Notes
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9. (U) Elhadji Ibrahim Oumarou assumed the sultancy on October 3,
1961, to replace his deceased father, Sultan Oumarou. Since the
16th century, Sultans of Agadez have been Hausas from southern
Niger, as the various Tuareg clans that ruled in the Air Mountain
region at that time were unable to choose a leader from among
themselves, and decided to import a non-Tuareg outsider to govern
and keep peace. Sultan Ibrahim currently serves as president of the
association of traditional chiefs of Niger.


10. (U) The Sultan is a paramount chief, head of all traditional
chiefs in a region; he is a repository of traditional values as well
as a religious leader and point of coordination to the government.
He has full authority to enforce customary law, based on the Koran
and traditional moral values.

11. (SBU) In 2001, Sultan Ibrahim participated in a U.S.-sponsored
tourism promotion visit to the United States; in 2003 the Special
Self-Help Fund supported building and equipping a computer training
center for girls within the Sultan's compound in Agadez.
ALLEN