Cablegate: Niger: Northern Rebel Group Dismisses Leader

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RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHNM #0641 2471301
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 041301Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5299
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS NIAMEY 000641

DEPT FOR AF/W AND AF/RSA

PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM SOCI PHUM ASEC NG
SUBJECT: Niger: Northern Rebel Group Dismisses Leader

Ref: Niamey 624

1. On August 31, the Movement of Nigeriens for Justice (MNJ)
dismissed its leader for "misconduct." In a September 1 posting on
its website the MNJ announced the dismissal of its leader, Aghali
Alambo for allegedly cutting himself from the base and taking
unilateral decisions on the MNJ's behalf based on his personal
interests. The statement reads that Alambo, "by his increasingly
deceptive behavior toward the MNJ and countries that make efforts to
find a negotiated solution to the conflict between the MNJ and the
Government of Niamey, does not honor our movement... therefore, the
MNJ's combatants, officers, and political leaders decide (sic) that
Mr. Alambo is no longer the President of the MNJ as of this day,
August 31... the MNJ informs Libyan authorities and those in power
in Niamey that Alambo will be solely responsible for any
commitments, decisions or assurances made or given."

2. The MNJ's decision occurs at a time when the ongoing peace
process appears to be stalled (reftel).

ALLEN

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