Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09NIAMEY504
2009-07-06 14:06:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Niamey
Cable title:
Opposition Rally Draws Thousands; FDD Denounces President
how-toVZCZCXRO8856 RR RUEHMA RUEHPA DE RUEHNM #0504 1871406 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 061406Z JUL 09 FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5173 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RUEHLMC/MCC WASHDC
UNCLAS NIAMEY 000504
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ACCRA ALSO FOR USAID/WA
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SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM SOCI NG
SUBJECT: Opposition Rally Draws Thousands; FDD Denounces President
Tandja
UNCLAS NIAMEY 000504
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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 SOCI NG
SUBJECT: Opposition Rally Draws Thousands; FDD Denounces President
Tandja
1. On July 5, the Front for the Defense of Democracy (FDD),made up
of political parties, civil society organizations and labor unions,
organized a rally in central Niamey to protest President Tandja's
intention to organize an August 4 referendum on a new constitution.
Although police estimated 5,500 protesters attended the rally,
Embassy LES estimate that there were 10,000 participants, including
opposition political party members, supporters of former PM Hama
Amadou, civil society organizations, labor unions, and students.
Protesters shouted "down with the referendum, Tandja has betrayed
the people of Niger." The event proceeded peacefully, without
violence or arrests.
FDD Leader Criticizes President Tandja, Calls for Unity
-------------- --------------
2. FDD President Mahamadou Issoufou criticized President Tandja's
latest efforts to remain in power. He demanded that legislative
elections slated for August 20 be organized within the time
prescribed by the Constitution, a window from July 10 - August 18.
He also asked that the Independent National Electoral Commission
(CENI) respect the Constitutional Courts' ruling against the
referendum. The FDD also appealed for unity of action with other
opposition groups, most notably the Movement for the Defense of
Democracy and the Republic (MDDR).
Allen
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 SOCI NG
SUBJECT: Opposition Rally Draws Thousands; FDD Denounces President
Tandja
1. On July 5, the Front for the Defense of Democracy (FDD),made up
of political parties, civil society organizations and labor unions,
organized a rally in central Niamey to protest President Tandja's
intention to organize an August 4 referendum on a new constitution.
Although police estimated 5,500 protesters attended the rally,
Embassy LES estimate that there were 10,000 participants, including
opposition political party members, supporters of former PM Hama
Amadou, civil society organizations, labor unions, and students.
Protesters shouted "down with the referendum, Tandja has betrayed
the people of Niger." The event proceeded peacefully, without
violence or arrests.
FDD Leader Criticizes President Tandja, Calls for Unity
-------------- --------------
2. FDD President Mahamadou Issoufou criticized President Tandja's
latest efforts to remain in power. He demanded that legislative
elections slated for August 20 be organized within the time
prescribed by the Constitution, a window from July 10 - August 18.
He also asked that the Independent National Electoral Commission
(CENI) respect the Constitutional Courts' ruling against the
referendum. The FDD also appealed for unity of action with other
opposition groups, most notably the Movement for the Defense of
Democracy and the Republic (MDDR).
Allen