VZCZCXYZ0006
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNM #1184 2561605
ZNR UUUUU ZZH (CCY ADX09B6D4 MSI6831 611)
R 131605Z SEP 07
FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY
TO RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3772
ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS NIAMEY 001184 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
C O R R E C T E D  C O P Y (ADDRESSEE ADDED) 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PINS MOPS SOCI NG
SUBJECT: NIGER: MNJ ANNOUNCES POSSIBLE RESPITE DURING 
RAMADAN, MAYOR OF TCHIROZERINE JOINS MNJ 
 
REF: A. NIAMEY 1055 
 
     ¶B. NIAMEY 1112 
 
¶1.  Mouvement des Nigeriens pour la Justice (MNJ) has no plan 
to conduct any attacks during Ramadan, but will retaliate if 
its members are attacked, according to MNJ spokesperson Dr. 
Dangana Ahmed.  The MNJ spokesperson made the announcement 
during a telephone interview with a local Voice of America 
(VOA) announcer on the eve (September 11) of Ramadan which 
was broadcast on Radio Anfani.  The MNJ spokesperson called 
for Khaddafi's mediation of the conflict in the north. 
 
¶2.   Also on September 11, Mayor of Tchirozerine, Issouf Ag 
Maha, sent to journalists an announcement that he had joined 
the MNJ.  (Note: Tchirozerine is approximately 200 kilometers 
northwest of the city of Agadez.  End note.)  A rough 
translation of his announcement states: 
 
Quote.  About eight months ago, the MNJ took up arms in Niger 
and made political demands.  All possible avenues were 
contemplated to permit the Nigerien authorities to accept a 
dialogue and return to peace.  Today, the Government of Niger 
has created conditions that incite the population towards 
hate and civil war.  The nation counts its dead and the 
mourning families.  The issue, in spite of its extreme 
severity is treated in the street with gross casualness.  The 
elected officials no longer find their role in the face of a 
militarized power and a martyred population.  It is 
intolerable for us to remain powerless and passive witnesses 
to the suffering of our people in flesh and soul.  Given that 
the current government is incapable of responding to the most 
basic aspirations of Niger and Nigeriens, from whom the truth 
is hidden, we have no other choice but to rally behind the 
MNJ as it carries the torch of justice and respect for the 
people.  I ask Nigerien youth to resist the intimidations and 
to continue to believe in justice and freedom so that our 
country can again find its place among the chorus of nations. 
 I appeal to the international community to assist Nigeriens 
in this moment of painful existence.  Issouf Ag Maha, Mayor 
of Tchirozerine.  End quote. 
 
 
ALLEN