Niger: Northern Rebel Group Dismisses Leader

UNCLAS NIAMEY 000641 DEPT FOR AF/W AND AF/RSA PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM SOCI PHUM ASEC NG SUBJECT: Niger: Northern Rebel Group Dismisses Leader Ref: Niamey 624 ¶1. On August 31, the Movement of Nigeriens for Justice (MNJ) dismissed its leader for "misconduct." In a September 1 posting on its website the MNJ announced the dismissal of its leader, Aghali Alambo for allegedly cutting himself from the base and taking unilateral decisions on the MNJ's behalf based on his personal interests. The statement reads that Alambo, "by his increasingly deceptive behavior toward the MNJ and countries that make efforts to find a negotiated solution to the conflict between the MNJ and the Government of Niamey, does not honor our movement... therefore, the MNJ's combatants, officers, and political leaders decide (sic) that Mr. Alambo is no longer the President of the MNJ as of this day, August 31... the MNJ informs Libyan authorities and those in power in Niamey that Alambo will be solely responsible for any commitments, decisions or assurances made or given." ¶2. The MNJ's decision occurs at a time when the ongoing peace process appears to be stalled (reftel). ALLEN