Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09NIAMEY433
2009-06-09 15:14:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Niamey
Cable title:  

Human Rights NGO President Calls on Ambassador

Tags:  PGOV KDEM SOCI NG 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO4473
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHNM #0433/01 1601514
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 091514Z JUN 09 ZDK
FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5104
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
RHMFISS/CDR USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEHLMC/MCC WASHDC
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


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