VZCZCXRO4473
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHNM #0433/01 1601514
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 091514Z JUN 09 ZDK
FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5104
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
RHMFISS/CDR USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEHLMC/MCC WASHDC

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NIAMEY 000433 
 
DEPT FOR AF/W AND AF/RSA 
PLS PASS TO USAID FOR AFR/W 
ACCRA ALSO FOR USAID/WA 
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: PGOV KDEM SOCI NG
SUBJECT:  Human Rights NGO President Calls on Ambassador 
 
REF: a) Niamey 377  b) Niamey 406 
 
NIAMEY 00000433  001.8 OF 002 
 
 
¶1. (SBU) Summary:  On June 8, Ambassador Allen met with members of 
the Nigerien Association for the Defense of Human Rights (ANDDH). 
Embassy Political Officer and Political Specialist also participated 
in the meeting.  The ANDDH representatives described themselves as 
"Ambassadors of Peace" and came to obtain advice from the Ambassador 
on strengthening democratic principles in Niger.  The ANDDH members 
conveyed their concerns regarding the ongoing political developments 
in Niger and added they followed with great interest the "courageous 
decisions" that some countries have taken, including the U.S., with 
regard to the current situation in Niger.  End Summary. 
 
¶2. (SBU) ANDDH leadership stated that several Nigerien civil society 
organizations and political parties welcomed the U.S. and the 
Canadian statements with regard to Niger's political situation. 
They stated that, despite the partners' calls, they are troubled 
that President Tandja has not stopped his plan to seek a third term 
in office and is creating a troubling division in the country. 
 
¶3. (SBU) ANDDH members stated that the dissolution of the National 
Assembly and complete rejection of the Constitutional Court's 
opinion are disturbing.  The group added that the appointment of a 
new Minister of Justice, as a result of the cabinet reshuffle, and 
removals within the judiciary are nothing more than political 
tactics by the President to muzzle all opposition voices.  They fear 
the GON may severely stifle basic freedoms, notably those of speech 
and assembly. 
 
¶4. (U) The ANDDH members mentioned that the recently established 
political consortium, Front for the Defense of Democracy (FDD) (ref 
a), decided to twice postpone an "anti-Tazartche" (Note:  Hausa 
language for "let it continue."  End note.) caravan, first on May 31 
and second on June 7, due to fears of government backlash.  The 
ANDDH members expressed concerns that Niger's political situation 
could deteriorate into one similar to that which occurred in Kenya 
or Zimbabwe.  (Note: The Niamey local government did not grant FDD a 
permit to conduct the caravan, denied the permit based on a 
technicality concerning the number of commune residents required to 
sign the petition.  Morever, the Governor of Niamey declared during 
an interview on state television (Tele-Sahel) that demonstrations 
cannot be conducted near religious structures, such as the Grand 
Mosque.  FDD leadership initially threatened to conduct the caravan 
with or without a permit, but in the end stated intent to remain 
within the law and to reapply for a permit to proceed with a June 14 
caravan, respecting the parameters outlined by the local government. 
 Reportedly, demonstrations did take place on June 7 in the cities 
of Tahoua, Konni and Zinder.  End note.) 
 
¶5. (SBU) Ambassador Allen inquired whether ANDDH members have 
engaged in dialogue with any other members of the diplomatic 
community on the political climate and suggested that, if not, they 
should do so.  ANDDH members indicated they had not yet approached 
other diplomatic missions in town, but agreed that it may be useful 
to approach a few other missions, notably the French.  The ANDDH 
members pointed out that as Tandja continues to surround himself 
with persons who will not challenge his actions, they fear human 
rights and democracy advocates may suffer possible backlash from 
Tandja or "pro-Tazartchists." 
 
¶6. (U) Ambassador asked the ANDDH members their views about the 
clash that occurred in Dosso on June 1 (ref b) and the vandalism 
inflicted on the palace of a traditional chief that shocked the 
government and members of civil society.  She asked whether in past 
a traditional chief had been attacked in such a way.  ANDDH members 
responded that the vandalism at the palace and the violence directed 
at the traditional chief was shocking but, in past, traditional 
chiefs have not engaged in political matters; consequently the 
perpetrators of the violence showed disdain for a traditional chief 
choosing sides in a political fight.  (Note: The Islamic Association 
in Niger (AIN), the National Council on Social Dialogue (composed of 
Muslim and Christians), the Association of Traditional Chiefs, all 
issued declarations that condemned the clash in Dosso and called for 
peaceful dialogue to resolve political differences.  The AIN also 
asked the people of Niger to "look to Allah for guidance" and called 
for a Mass Prayer at the Grand Mosque on June 13, the day preceding 
the announced launch of the twice-postponed FDD "anti-Tazartche" 
caravan.  End note.) 
 
¶7. (U) ANDDH is one of a growing number of organizations, some "pro" 
 
NIAMEY 00000433  002.3 OF 002 
 
 
some "anti" Tazartche, communicating by letter or with requests for 
meetings, views to donor partners ( 
 
¶8. (U) Minimized considered. 
 
Allen