Human Rights NGO President Calls on Ambassador

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NIAMEY 000433 DEPT FOR AF/W AND AF/RSA PLS PASS TO USAID FOR AFR/W ACCRA ALSO FOR USAID/WA PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM SOCI NG SUBJECT: Human Rights NGO President Calls on Ambassador REF: a) Niamey 377 b) Niamey 406 NIAMEY 00000433 001.8 OF 002 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: On June 8, Ambassador Allen met with members of the Nigerien Association for the Defense of Human Rights (ANDDH). Embassy Political Officer and Political Specialist also participated in the meeting. The ANDDH representatives described themselves as "Ambassadors of Peace" and came to obtain advice from the Ambassador on strengthening democratic principles in Niger. The ANDDH members conveyed their concerns regarding the ongoing political developments in Niger and added they followed with great interest the "courageous decisions" that some countries have taken, including the U.S., with regard to the current situation in Niger. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) ANDDH leadership stated that several Nigerien civil society organizations and political parties welcomed the U.S. and the Canadian statements with regard to Niger's political situation. They stated that, despite the partners' calls, they are troubled that President Tandja has not stopped his plan to seek a third term in office and is creating a troubling division in the country. ¶3. (SBU) ANDDH members stated that the dissolution of the National Assembly and complete rejection of the Constitutional Court's opinion are disturbing. The group added that the appointment of a new Minister of Justice, as a result of the cabinet reshuffle, and removals within the judiciary are nothing more than political tactics by the President to muzzle all opposition voices. They fear the GON may severely stifle basic freedoms, notably those of speech and assembly. ¶4. (U) The ANDDH members mentioned that the recently established political consortium, Front for the Defense of Democracy (FDD) (ref a),decided to twice postpone an "anti-Tazartche" (Note: Hausa language for "let it continue." End note.) caravan, first on May 31 and second on June 7, due to fears of government backlash. The ANDDH members expressed concerns that Niger's political situation could deteriorate into one similar to that which occurred in Kenya or Zimbabwe. (Note: The Niamey local government did not grant FDD a permit to conduct the caravan, denied the permit based on a technicality concerning the number of commune residents required to sign the petition. Morever, the Governor of Niamey declared during an interview on state television (Tele-Sahel) that demonstrations cannot be conducted near religious structures, such as the Grand Mosque. FDD leadership initially threatened to conduct the caravan with or without a permit, but in the end stated intent to remain within the law and to reapply for a permit to proceed with a June 14 caravan, respecting the parameters outlined by the local government. Reportedly, demonstrations did take place on June 7 in the cities of Tahoua, Konni and Zinder. End note.) ¶5. (SBU) Ambassador Allen inquired whether ANDDH members have engaged in dialogue with any other members of the diplomatic community on the political climate and suggested that, if not, they should do so. ANDDH members indicated they had not yet approached other diplomatic missions in town, but agreed that it may be useful to approach a few other missions, notably the French. The ANDDH members pointed out that as Tandja continues to surround himself with persons who will not challenge his actions, they fear human rights and democracy advocates may suffer possible backlash from Tandja or "pro-Tazartchists." ¶6. (U) Ambassador asked the ANDDH members their views about the clash that occurred in Dosso on June 1 (ref b) and the vandalism inflicted on the palace of a traditional chief that shocked the government and members of civil society. She asked whether in past a traditional chief had been attacked in such a way. ANDDH members responded that the vandalism at the palace and the violence directed at the traditional chief was shocking but, in past, traditional chiefs have not engaged in political matters; consequently the perpetrators of the violence showed disdain for a traditional chief choosing sides in a political fight. (Note: The Islamic Association in Niger (AIN),the National Council on Social Dialogue (composed of Muslim and Christians),the Association of Traditional Chiefs, all issued declarations that condemned the clash in Dosso and called for peaceful dialogue to resolve political differences. The AIN also asked the people of Niger to "look to Allah for guidance" and called for a Mass Prayer at the Grand Mosque on June 13, the day preceding the announced launch of the twice-postponed FDD "anti-Tazartche" caravan. End note.) ¶7. (U) ANDDH is one of a growing number of organizations, some "pro" NIAMEY 00000433 002.3 OF 002 some "anti" Tazartche, communicating by letter or with requests for meetings, views to donor partners ( ¶8. (U) Minimized considered. Allen