by M. Djibo Alfari, Niger, 29 April 1997
THEME = POLITICS
For seven years, Niger has been caught in the grip of a vicious circle, when it comes to reconstructing the nation. The 1991 Sovereign National Conference which lasted until April 1993, gave high hopes for social and political reform. Indeed, it was supposed to be a real launching pad for Niger's programme of democracy and development. But the Sovereign National Conference has long-since vanished in people's memories, leaving behind, some particularly painful recollections. A transitional government replaced that of President Ali Saibou, with Amadou Cheffou becoming Transitional Prime Minister. In December 1992, there was a referendum for a new Constitution, and in February 1993, parliamentary and presidential elections. The transitional government tried to implement its own economic recovery programme but with not much success. The "economic take-off" people were expecting, did not materialise.
Political tension plus the on-going feud between president and prime minister, pushed Niger ever closer to the edge. On 27 January 1996, Mahamane Ousmane was toppled in a coup d'état and replaced by the army's, Colonel Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara.
Added to this is the sombre political scenario. How can a country embark on any serious development programme if it is permanently torn apart by internal political quarrels? Since the controversial election of 7-8 July 1996, when Ibraham Baré Mainassara (who in-between times had become a General) was accused by his opponents of highjacking the elections, thus enabling him to win the presidency, Niger has now sunk into a period where everything is questioned.
Everyone knows that the present National Assembly is entirely made up of the President's followers. The Opposition refused to take part in the election as they said it was clear that the National Electoral Commission was neither open and above board nor impartial.
What happened is well-known. The government clamped down on these Days, and recently the main opposition leaders in Niger were arrested, including former president Mahamane Ousmane himself. On this occasion, the State Security Court, which had been operating under the late General Seyni Kountché, was hastily resurrected to try those arrested, on charges of undermining State security. Fortunately, thanks to the intervention of his peers, General Baré agreed to release his opponents.
(At the time of writing, NIGELEC staff members have already been
sentenced to one or two years in prison for having allegedly
sabotaged high tension lines).
The Nigérien Trades Union Federation called for a 72-hour
strike (from 22-24 April 1997), the 4th consecutive one,
demanding the following from the government:
- 1. All detained colleagues must be released.
- 2. Privatisation, which has been both planned and
decided on by the government, without consulting those concerned,
must be re-examined.
- 3. All overdue salaries must be paid.
- 4. The new salary-scales of salaries which caused a
drastic reduction of income for Niger's civil servants, must be
abandoned.
- 5. The uniform tax rate on salaries must be revised.
All this shows clearly how worrying the social and political situation is in Niger. The question is: What can be done to escape disaster?
On this occasion, Adamou Djer-Makoye, the leader of the Niger Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ANDP), who was Speaker of the National Assembly during the 3rd Republic, addressed a moving message to all politicians. He said: "Niger must stop this never-ending internal quarrelling. It's high time now to work together to build up the country; No political force can hope to run the country by itself; All concerned must be prepared to put their cards on the table, and decide once and for all what must be done to lift the country out of the present chaos."
This newspaper interview caused a stir in opposition ranks. Could it be that the former prime minister was secretly looking to co- operate with those who had previously overthrown him? Those however, who really understand the country's present state, agree that Hama Amadou has sufficient political experience to know what he is doing. Strike action, violent demonstrations etc., have no part, now, in a country with a completely wrecked economy. It is hoped that General Baré and his government will respond to the hand the opposition is holding out. Niger's population is looking and waiting for genuine reconciliation.
On 16 April 1997, just after 4. a.m., a C 130 cargo plane of the National Armed Forces, crashed, 15 km from Niamey. The plane was returning from a flight to Lomé and Cotonou. The 14 occupants died on the spot. The whole Nation was plunged into mourning. Let us hope that this nationwide shared grief will enable the country to come together...yes...even in the realm of politics.
END