VZCZCXRO4862
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHNM #0092 0340729
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 030729Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5610
INFO RUEHAS/AMEMBASSY ALGIERS 3521
RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE

UNCLAS NIAMEY 000092 
 
DEPT FOR AF/W AND AF/RSA 
ACCRA ALSO FOR AF/WA 
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER 
DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/W 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV ELAB EFIN PTER ENRG EPET SOCI NG
SUBJECT:  Niger:  Pol/Econ Update for January 2010 
 
¶1. The following is an Embassy Niger compilation of political and 
economic highlights for January 2010 not otherwise covered in 
mission reporting.  This report covers the following issues: 
 
-- National Assembly passes anti-terrorism financing legislation; 
 
-- GON changes civil service employee work hours; 
 
-- Niger purchases diesel-powered generators; 
 
-- Construction begins on oil pipeline; and 
 
-- Five Nigerien citizens killed in Jos, Nigeria. 
 
Anti-Terrorism Financing Legislation 
------------------------------------ 
¶2. Before the closure of the January 12 session, National Assembly 
deputies passed legislation to implement recommendations of the 
Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GAIBA).  GIABA 
is the regional organization established to coordinate the fight 
against money laundering and terrorism financing within the West 
African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).  The new legislation 
brings Niger into conformance with regional standards by 
criminalizing money laundering and/or financing of terrorist 
organizations. 
 
Construction Commences on Oil Pipeline 
-------------------------------------- 
¶3. Construction work on the oil pipeline expected to link the oil 
wells of the Agadem bloc to the refinery currently under 
construction in Zinder commenced on January 21.  The ceremony took 
place in the presence of the Adviser to the President for Energy and 
Mining Issues, the representative of the Minister of Environment and 
Anti-Desertification, and some prefects. 
 
GON Reinstates Traditional Civil Service Working Hours 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
¶4. Effective in late January, the GON reinstated traditional working 
hours for civil servants, including a two and a half-hour midday 
break.  Niger had been operating on a unified day schedule for 
several years, and the unanticipated decision to return to 
traditional hours threatens the survival of small restaurants and 
food stalls established to cater to workers with a short lunch hour. 
 GON sources claimed the return to the traditional schedule was 
motivated by high levels of absenteeism among public sector workers, 
and President Tandja announced that periodic spot checks would be 
made to ensure that workers remained on the job throughout the work 
day.  Opposition and union members protested, claiming that the 
decision was designed to cut GON costs.  The new schedule means 
workers will start at 7:30 a.m., have a break from 12:30 to 3:00 
p.m., and work from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m., in a working rhythm common to 
many former French colonies in Africa. 
 
Niger Purchases Power Generators 
-------------------------------- 
¶5. Niger has spent $20 million on new diesel-powered generators to 
improve electricity supplies to each of the country's eight regions. 
 Increased local generating capacity will reduce reliance on power 
imported from Nigeria, which currently provides 90 percent of 
Niger's electricity.  NIGELEC, Niger's state power company, used a 
$20 million loan from India's Ex-Im Bank to buy eight new 
generators, adding over 27 megawatts of power production capacity to 
the country.  The loan deals were signed in late 2008.  Niamey has 
received the biggest boost, with an extra 15 megawatts of power 
generating capacity.  The GON reviewed power policies after a series 
of power cuts in mid-2008 left residents in the dark, with power 
available only to the GON, armed forces, and hospitals.  According 
to the GON, the new generators will supply electricity to 70 percent 
of Niamey. 
 
Five Nigeriens Killed in Sectarian Clashes in Jos 
--------------------------------------------- ---- 
¶6. In late January, five Nigeriens were among hundreds of victims 
killed by sectarian violence in Jos, the capital of Nigeria's 
central Plateau State.  According to the GON, two Nigeriens were 
wounded in the fracas, 33 houses belonging to Nigeriens were 
destroyed, and some 495 Nigeriens fled Jos and are now back in 
Niger.  A large number of Nigeriens live in Nigeria, and both people 
and livestock move freely across the 1,500 kilometres of largely 
open frontier between the two countries. 
 
WHITAKER