Niger: municipal and regional councils give firm support to the CNSP

In a declaration made public on August 26, 2023, Niger’s municipal and regional councils announced that they had taken note of the CNSP’s proclamation and its decision to retain the deliberative and executive bodies of local authorities. The presidents of Niger’s municipal and regional councils express their firm support for the actions announced by the CNSP to ensure a successful transition.

General Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of the CNSP, had announced a three-year transition and called for an inclusive national dialogue. Following an extraordinary meeting, the two Councils expressed their willingness to participate in the National Dialogue Council without political or partisan considerations.

Niger’s municipal and regional councils also condemned the drastic, inhumane and unprecedented sanctions imposed on Niger by ECOWAS and WAEMU.

Last Friday, the ruling military ordered the departure of Sylvain Itte, the French ambassador posted in Niamey. The French diplomat was given 48 hours to leave Niger. The day after the announcement, thousands of Nigeriens gathered in the Seyni Kountché stadium to support the authorities’ decision.

Sylvain Itte is leaving for failing to respond to an invitation from the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and for other actions by the French government that run counter to Niger’s interests.

«We have the right to choose the partners we want, and France must respect that choice» said one demonstrator.