UN-AU-ECOWAS Team Briefs Dip Corps on Meeting with CSRD

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 NIAMEY 000127 SIPDIS NOFORN AMEMBASSY YAOUNDE PASS TO AMEMBASSY MALABO E.O. 12958: DECL: 2020/02/23 TAGS: PGOV KDEM SOCI ECOWAS UN AU NG SUBJECT: UN-AU-ECOWAS Team Briefs Dip Corps on Meeting with CSRD REF: 10 NIAMEY 0123 CLASSIFIED BY: Eric Whitaker, CDA, State, Embassy Niamey; REASON: 1.4(B),(D) ¶1. (C/NF) On the afternoon of February 21, UNDP Resident Representative and UN Systems Coordinator Khardiata Lo N'Diaye summoned the heads of mission of Algeria (dean of diplomatic corps),China, the EU, France, Nigeria, Spain (as EU President), and the United States for an out-brief by the visiting UN-African Union (AU)-Economic Commission for West African States (ECOWAS) delegation immediately following their meeting with the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSRD). Participation by the visiting delegation included UN Secretary-General Special Representative Said Djinnit; ECOWAS President Mohamed Ibn Chambas; AU Peace and Security Commissioner Amb. Ramtane Lamamra; ECOWAS Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Commissioner Col. Mahamane Toure; and Dakar-based UN Principal Political Advisor Anatole Ayissi. ¶2. (C/NF) Djinnit opened the one-hour session by condemning the violent overthrow of the government and underscoring the delegation's role in reinforcing the existing ECOWAS role led by Mediator for Niger Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. He noted that the delegation had the same objective, and sought to assist in mobilizing support for the restoration of democracy in Niger. He noted that the CSRD had stated its intention to bring about democracy as soon as possible. Djinnit noted that the delegation had advised the CSDR to understand that the trust of the Nigerien people and the international community were not guaranteed in the long-term, but needed to be maintained through "concrete actions;" that impartiality and inclusive rebuilding where all were treated the same was key; and that the political transition should be as short as possible. ¶3. (C/NF) Heads of mission present offered their thanks to the delegation for providing the briefing and offered to be supportive of its efforts, as well as those of Mediator Abubakar. Nigerian Ambassador Bature Lawal noted that Niger abhorred unconstitutional changes of government, and that Nigeria was concerned about a possible "domino effect" within the region. He added that the situation in Niger was nonetheless a "child of necessity" from which lessons for the future must be derived. Charge Whitaker stated that the U.S. Government condemned the forcible seizure of power, but noted with appreciation the prompt response of international organizations to Niger's evolving situation, with both an ECOWAS (reftel) and a UN-AU-ECOWAS delegation meeting with the CSDR within three days of the start of the crisis. He observed that it was fortunate that the hostilities were limited, involved few casualties, and were not directed against civilians. The Charge emphasized the importance of transparency and inclusiveness in a political outcome to reverse the erosion of Niger's democracy that had taken place over the past 10 months. He also mentioned the importance of the CSRD's making concrete progress in the near term in the face of looming and extensive food insecurity. ¶4. (C/NF) Chambas thanked the heads of mission and said he was assured of the good will of the international community regarding the situation in Niger. He noted that good will would not last long without visible measures on the part of the CSRD to restore democracy promptly. He added that Africa now had "zero tolerance for coups." Chambas cited the success of Niger in dealing with the Tuareg rebel groups in the north, and observed that this understanding must be kept, as terrorism and trafficking remained problems. ¶5. (C/NF) In a follow-on meeting with the same heads of mission on the evening of February 21, Lo N'Diaye restated the objectives of the CSRD as expressed to the delegation as being to "clean up" the political situation, reconcile the nation, and return to a sustained democracy. She noted that the CSRD's Consultative Council would be a broad group, more like the National Assembly than the Council of Ministers, and that the CSRD would "build a transitional program" involving elections in which its members would not/not compete. Lo N'Diaye stated the CSRD members realized NIAMEY 00000127 002 OF 002 the nation's development process had been damaged and that they sought the indulgence of the international community. The CSRD members said that they wanted this to be the "last coup," and wished to provide a foundation for democracy. They asked why Niger's "political class could not manage" the situation, and said that "ruling was not their job." The CSRD accepted the framework of the UN-AU-ECOWAS mediation, and agreed to work to provide Mediator Abubakar a "new agenda." Finally, she added that the CSRD had released Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mindaoudou, and promised that the other ministers would be treated fairly, with respect for their dignity. WHITAKER