Niger: Opposition Protests Again; Pro-Tandja Rally

UNCLAS NIAMEY 000977 DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/RSA, AND DRL/AE PLS PASS TO USAID/AFR/W ACCRA FOR USAID/WA PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM SOCI PHUM NG SUBJECT: Niger: Opposition Protests Again; Pro-Tandja Rally Anticipated ¶1. On December 13, Niger's Opposition, led by the Coordination of Forces for Democracy and the Republic (CFDR),organized a rally in Niamey to demand that President Tandja step down at the end of his second five-year term of office on December 22, as permitted under the 5th Republic (the pre-August 4, 2009 constitution). The roughly 2500 protesters proceeded without violence or arrests. (Comment: The granting of a rally permit is noteworthy, and may pertain to behind-the-scene discussions between the Government of Niger (GON) officials and the Opposition to reduce political tensions. End comment.) ¶2. The Patriotic Movement for the Defense of the Nation and People, supporters of President Tandja continuance in office, have called for a nationwide "rally of support" December 15. The event seeks to counter the "failure of outsiders to understand the political realities of Niger's democracy," express support for the 6th Republic and its new constitution, and resist "unfair pressures" against Niger. ALLEN