Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09NIAMEY874
2009-11-09 14:42:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Niamey
Cable title:
Niger: Ambassador of Nigeria Denies Rumour of Border
how-toVZCZCXRO3512 RR RUEHMA RUEHPA DE RUEHNM #0874 3131442 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 091442Z NOV 09 ZDK FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5445 INFO RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHINGTON DC RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS NIAMEY 000874
DEPT FOR AF/W
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD CASC PBTS SMIG NG
SUBJECT: Niger: Ambassador of Nigeria Denies Rumour of Border
Closure
REF: Dennison-Allen email exchange of 6 Nov 2009
UNCLAS NIAMEY 000874
DEPT FOR AF/W
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD CASC PBTS SMIG NG
SUBJECT: Niger: Ambassador of Nigeria Denies Rumour of Border
Closure
REF: Dennison-Allen email exchange of 6 Nov 2009
1. On November 09, Ambassador and Embassy Economic Officer met with
Nigeria Ambassador to Niger Batour Lawal and the Nigerian DCM
Muhammad Yunusa inquire about media reports that Nigeria had closed
border trade with Niger. Ambassador Lawal stated there "is no truth
whatsoever" in the rumors of border closure. He provided the
Embassy with copies of two internet news reports of the Government
of Nigeria press announcements from Abuja categorically denying that
the Government of Nigeria had authorized any impediments to normal
exports to Niger.
2. As previously reported in reftel email exchange, on Thursday,
November 5, Ambassador Lawal appeared at a press conference in
Niamey with high level Government of Niger officials, including
Minister of Foreign Affairs Aichatou Mindaoudou, at which time both
governments decried rumors circulating widely during the course of
last week. The press conference was the front page story in the
November 6 (weekend) edition of the state newspaper, the Sahel
Dimanche, which featured a photo of the Nigerien and Nigerian
officials.
3. Embassy has not received from staff or other contacts traveling
or residing near the Niger-Nigeria border any reports of a border
closure.
ALLEN
DEPT FOR AF/W
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD CASC PBTS SMIG NG
SUBJECT: Niger: Ambassador of Nigeria Denies Rumour of Border
Closure
REF: Dennison-Allen email exchange of 6 Nov 2009
1. On November 09, Ambassador and Embassy Economic Officer met with
Nigeria Ambassador to Niger Batour Lawal and the Nigerian DCM
Muhammad Yunusa inquire about media reports that Nigeria had closed
border trade with Niger. Ambassador Lawal stated there "is no truth
whatsoever" in the rumors of border closure. He provided the
Embassy with copies of two internet news reports of the Government
of Nigeria press announcements from Abuja categorically denying that
the Government of Nigeria had authorized any impediments to normal
exports to Niger.
2. As previously reported in reftel email exchange, on Thursday,
November 5, Ambassador Lawal appeared at a press conference in
Niamey with high level Government of Niger officials, including
Minister of Foreign Affairs Aichatou Mindaoudou, at which time both
governments decried rumors circulating widely during the course of
last week. The press conference was the front page story in the
November 6 (weekend) edition of the state newspaper, the Sahel
Dimanche, which featured a photo of the Nigerien and Nigerian
officials.
3. Embassy has not received from staff or other contacts traveling
or residing near the Niger-Nigeria border any reports of a border
closure.
ALLEN