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Cablegate: Niger: National Assembly President Elected

Published: Tue 1 Dec 2009 06:27 PM
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RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHNM #0952 3351827
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 011827Z DEC 09
FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5494
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEHLMC/MCC WASHDC
UNCLAS NIAMEY 000952
DEPT FOR AF/W AND AF/RSA; PLS PASS TO USAID FOR AFR/W
ACCRA ALSO FOR USAID/WA
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM SOCI NG
SUBJECT: Niger: National Assembly President Elected
Ref: Niamey 899
1. On November 25, deputies elected former Prime Minister and
current President of the National Movement for the Development of
Society (MNSD) Seini Oumarou to serve as President of the National
Assembly. Oumarou stated that his immediate goals are to, "Boost
the fortunes of the National Assembly and deal with the real
concerns of the people." Oumarou added, "We need to make haste and
accelerate the rhythm of our work in order to efficiently deliver on
the people's most pressing expectations...the parliament I have the
privilege to lead will focus its action on a responsible check on
the Executive's actions and increased lawmaking."
2. The following is a list of members who were elected to executive
positions within the National Assembly; while MNSD is the ruling
party, the PNA is an opposition party, and the PMT, RSD, RDP, and
UNI are parties aligned with MNSD:
-- Saadou Bawa, First Vice President, MNSD;
-- Mahamane Jean Philipe Padonou, Second Vice President, RSD;
-- Lawan Magagi, Third Vice President, Independent;
-- Mohamed Ben Omar, Fourth Vice President, RDP;
-- Abdoura'ouf Sidi, First Treasurer, MNSD; and
-- Tanimoun Oumarou, Second Treasurer, RDP.
Secretaries:
-- Salamatou Balla Goga, MNSD;
-- Boukar Fatouma Makinta, MNSD;
-- Sardao Amadou Tintouma, PMT; and
-- Ado Makama, Independent.
3. Finally, the following permanent commission presidents were
named:
-- Siddo Elhaj, Finance, MNSD;
-- Sanoussi Tambari Jackou, Economic Affairs, PNA;
-- Issa Lemine, General Affairs, Independent;
-- Abdourrahamane Hama, Foreign Affairs, RSD;
-- Amadou Salifou, Cultural and Social Affairs, MNSD;
-- Adam Effangal, Rural Development, MNSD;
-- Mohamed Houma, Defense and Security, RDP; and
-- Amadou Ali Djibo, General Reporter of Finances, UNI.
4. Comment: Before adopting the new constitution on August 4, the
position of Prime Minister (PM) carried considerable clout,
including serving as head of government. Under the new
constitution, however, the role of PM is not defined clearly, and
assumes a largely ceremonial role, while the president serves as
both head of state and head of government. Given the reduced
stature of the PM position under the new constitution, and the
opportunity to head the National Assembly, Oumarou's resignation of
his past position, election to the National Assembly, and election
to its presidency represents both his lateral and vertical political
mobility. In his new position Oumarou has traded up to a position
where he can assist the Executive by guiding key legislation through
the system. (Note: MNSD and aligned parties now hold most offices
not only in President Tandja's administration, but also within the
National Assembly. End note). End comment.
Allen
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