Cablegate: Niger: Former Prime Minister Faces Corruption

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PP RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHNM #0603 1641400
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 121400Z JUN 08
FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4360
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUZEHAA/CDR USEUCOM INTEL VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY
RHMFISS/CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY

UNCLAS NIAMEY 000603

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV NG
SUBJECT: NIGER: FORMER PRIME MINISTER FACES CORRUPTION
CHARGES

REF: NIAMEY 091

1. (U) The Nigerien Justice Ministry has reportedly asked the
National Assembly to open an investigation into allegations
that former Prime Minister Hama Amadou diverted government
funds that were to support the press when Amadou was Prime
Minister. The National Assembly is expected to review the
matter in a special session, and may forward the case to the
high court for trial.

2. (U) Amadou had previously been questioned regarding
allegations that he incited his supporters to burn the car of
a political opponent (reftel). That case did not involve the
National Assembly because it concerned an incident that
occurred after Amadou left office, while the recent case
involves Amadou's actions as Prime Minister.

3. (SBU) Comment: Amadou retains a large number of
supporters, who could take to the streets if he is detained,
or if a case against him goes forward.
ALLEN

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