Niger: First meeting to organize a new Republic goes well

State paper Le Sahel reported the rather extraordinary scenes at the Foreign Ministry in Niamey on Saturday, as representatives of all political faction were invited to begin the discussion of a new constitutional process which will return Niger to democratic rule. While the article reports little but the lecture given by Junta head Cmdt. Salou Djibo, photos and universally positive reaction quotes suggest that this process has been de facto recognized by most every political organization in the country.

Former Tandja PM Seyni Oumarou, the head of the (former) ruling MNSD-Nassara party was seated next to onetime ally Sanoussi Jackou of PNA-Al'Ouma and the RDP-JAMA'A leader. Bazoum Mohamed, VP of the main opposition PNDS sat along with CDS-Rahama chair Mahamane Ousmane, surrounded by leaders of allied parties, albeit across the auditorium from the Tandja men. Notable absence: former PM Hama Amadou and PNDS head Mahamadou Issoufou, the two men likely to be the next President.

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