Former President of the National Assembly of Niger, Hama Amadou, speaks out for the first time about the political crisis in his country and his political future. In an exclusive interview with Vox Africa, the former Prime Minister on three occasions and President of the National Assembly, Hama Amadou, provides his analysis on the politically turbulent situation following the military coup of July 26th in Niger.
Hama Amadou, whose words were anticipated as a prominent figure in the Nigerien opposition, was a rival of Mahamadou Issoufou, the former president, and his ousted successor, Mohamed Bazoum. When asked about his reaction to the news of the coup, he responded that, like practically all Nigeriens and even some external partners of Niger, the event was to him like a thunderbolt from a clear sky. It was a complete surprise.
It had been mentioned that his party’s response was awaited. Alleged statements were circulating on news websites affirming his condemnation of the coup. Hama Amadou denies these reports, stating that all these false documents are malicious maneuvers by his usual adversaries in Niger. He believes that the objective is to discredit him in regard to any potential future political endeavors.
Situation in Niger Regarding the situation in Niger, there has been mention of ECOWAS setting an ultimatum for the junta to restore what they call “constitutional order,” which involves reinstating President Bazoum. Hama Amadou finds this to be a sign of contempt toward Niger, the Nigerien people, and the Nigerien army. He wonders if ECOWAS would have shown the same eagerness if the coup had occurred in Nigeria.
Hama Amadou expresses his discontent with ECOWAS’s stance, which he views as contemptuous toward Niger. He questions the legitimacy of a military intervention by ECOWAS in a member country and challenges the nature of democracy in Niger. According to him, in its haste, ECOWAS displays disregard for Niger, its people, and its army.
The former President of the National Assembly recalls the words of former President Mahamadou Issoufou, who had declared that Niger was not yet a democracy but in a democratic transition. This declaration implies that individual and public freedoms are not respected as they should be in a true democracy. Hama Amadou criticizes the governance of the former regime and questions the legitimacy of foreign intervention to reinstate a regime that the Nigerien people no longer desire.
In response to the offensive stance of some ECOWAS countries, Niger has received support from Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea Conakry, and Algeria. These countries have expressed opposition to military intervention, highlighting the severe consequences it could have for the region. Hama Amadou warns against the risks of a regional war that could be triggered by such intervention, especially considering the region’s existing terrorist threat.
ECOWAS, the European Union, and Niger Hama Amadou raises questions about the attitude of the European Union and France towards Niger. He wonders about the need for a bellicose and threatening stance towards Niger, particularly after a change in regime. He highlights the potential risks of such an approach, including Niger aligning itself with other powers like Russia.
The former President of the National Assembly compares the situation in Niger with that of Chad, where a change in power also occurred under controversial circumstances. He criticizes the apparent double standard of the international community, which seems to apply different rules to different countries.
Hama Amadou questions the authenticity of a letter recently published by President Bazoum in The Washington Post. He suggests that the letter could have been written by another entity, perhaps in France, and not by the President himself. He underscores the potential risks associated with such publication, particularly in terms of high treason.
Sanctions and Development Aid Hama Amadou questions the effectiveness of development aid, viewing it as a means for neocolonialism to subjugate African states. He believes that this aid has not enabled a single African country to develop over the past 60 years. He suggests that sanctions could serve as a catalyst to awaken Africans’ patriotic consciousness and encourage them to seek independent solutions.
In the face of sanctions, Hama Amadou believes that Nigeriens can find ways to stand on their own feet, drawing inspiration from examples like Cuba, Iran, and North Korea. He believes these sanctions could reinforce Niger’s spirit of independence and sovereignty.
Hama Amadou refutes allegations that Russia played a role in the coup in Niger. He suggests that these allegations are being used to justify actions against Niger. However, he acknowledges that the presence of Wagner, a Russian private security company, could influence the situation.
Choice of Partners According to Hama Amadou, Niger should choose its partners based on its own interests. He emphasizes the importance of being cautious with all potential partners while recognizing that how Niger’s former partners react to the current situation will influence the country’s future decisions.
The former President of the National Assembly refutes allegations that Russia influenced the coup in Niger. He suggests that these allegations are being used to justify actions against Niger. However, he acknowledges that the presence of Wagner, a Russian private security company, could influence the situation.
Personal Situation of Hama Amadou Asked about his personal situation, Hama Amadou mentions that he is currently under legal status as a prisoner. He can only return to Niger if the military authorities request him to do so. He is therefore awaiting a decision on this matter.
