Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09NIAMEY375
2009-05-26 17:04:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Niamey
Cable title:  

ECOWAS Advisory Body Urges President Tandja Not to Effect

Tags:  PGOV KDEM AORC SOCI PHUM NG 
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VZCZCXRO4528
PP RUEHTRO
DE RUEHNM #0375 1461704
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 261704Z MAY 09 ZDK ZUI
FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5059
INFO RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE PRIORITY
RHMFISS/CDR USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE PRIORITY
RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUCNTSC/TSCTP COLLECTIVE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 0848
UNCLAS NIAMEY 000375 

DEPT FOR AF/W AND AF/RSA
PLS PASS TO USAID FOR AFR/W
ACCRA ALSO FOR USAID/WA
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM AORC SOCI PHUM NG
SUBJECT: ECOWAS Advisory Body Urges President Tandja Not to Effect
New Constitution, Warns of Possible Sanctions

UNCLAS NIAMEY 000375

DEPT FOR AF/W AND AF/RSA
PLS PASS TO USAID FOR AFR/W
ACCRA ALSO FOR USAID/WA
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM AORC SOCI PHUM NG
SUBJECT: ECOWAS Advisory Body Urges President Tandja Not to Effect
New Constitution, Warns of Possible Sanctions


1. On May 15-18, the Council of Wise Men of the Economic Commission
of West African States (ECOWAS) held a meeting with GON officials in
Niamey. The Council, an advisory body, discussed the proposed draft
constitutional referendum that would lift presidential term limits,
and thereby allow President Tandja to remain in office beyond the
end of his current term of office, which ends in December 2009. The
Council, which is made up of several respected figures from ECOWAS
member states, also met with President Tandja, and reminded him of
the ECOWAS' protocol on democracy and good governance, which
prohibits modifying constitutions during the six-month period prior
to elections. The ECOWAS Council of Wise Men urged President Tandja
to refrain from making constitutional changes, and added that
failure to do so could lead to ECOWAS sanctions ranging from
suspension to economic blockade.


2. In an interview on Radio France International (RFI) on May 20,
Minister of Interior Albade Abouba deflected the Council's advice,
stating, "The institution (ECOWAS) as such may, by principle express
its concerns. But we know very well the countries that make up
ECOWAS, and we know each country's history. Therefore, at this
level, I think it is better to sweep one's doorstep very well before
referring to that of your neighbors."


3. Subsequently, President Tandja decided to ignore the advice of
the ECOWAS Council, announcing officially to the National Assembly
on May 23 his plan to seek a constitutional referendum.


4. Minimize considered.

ALLEN