Cablegate: Rebel Tuaregs Surrender Arms

VZCZCXYZ1103
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNM #0810 2790723
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 060723Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5368
INFO RUEQS/AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA 1669
RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE

UNCLAS NIAMEY 000810

DEPT FOR AF/W AND AF/RSA
PLS PASS TO USAID FOR AFR/W
ACCRA ALSO FOR USAID/WA
ADDIS ABABA FOR USAU - J MAYBURY
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PARM PHUM SOCI NG
SUBJECT: Rebel Tuaregs Surrender Arms

Ref: Niamey 00350

1. According to Radio France International (RFI) and Embassy
sources, hundreds of Nigerien Patriotic Front (FPN) combatants
handed over their arms to Nigerien authorities in Tidene valley,
north of Agadez, starting in late September. The process is
expected to continue over the next several days.

2. Mohamed Anako, the High Commissioner for the Restoration of
Peace, told RFI that the process has been launched, and a general
arms handover ceremony involving all fronts would be held "in the
near future."

3. Comment: This picks up on peace talks between rebel Tuaregs and
the Government of Niger, which last took place through formal
channels in May 2009 (reftel). End comment.

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