Niger's Foreign Policy With France under General Seyni Kountché (1974-1987)

3.3 LANGUAGES OF NIGER

French is the official language, but only about 10% of Nigerien speaks it. Many can speak Hausa (80%), which is used for communication and trade between ethnic groups. Ten (10) languages have official recognition in Niger; Arabic, Boudouma, djerma, Fulfulde, Gourmantchema, Hausa, Kanuri, Tamachek, Tasawak and Toubou. Many people are multilingual.

3.4 RELIGIONS

Islam is the most dominant religion (95%). The rest is between indigenous beliefs (Animism) (4%) and Christianity (1%). Islam is an important factor for National unity in Niger.

3.5 BORDERLANDS

East: Chad

West: Mali and Burkina Faso,

North: Libya and Algeria

South: Nigeria and Benin Republic

3.6 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND COLONIALISM

Numerous Neolithic remains of early pastoralism have been found in the desert area of Niger. Ptolemy Diaz wrote of Roman expeditions to the Air Massif. In the 11^th century A.D., Tuareg migrated from the desert to the Air region, where they later (C. 1300) established a stat centered at Agadez. Agadez was situated on a major Trans-Saharan caravan route that connected North Africa with present day- north Nigeria.

In the 14^th century, the Hausa (most of whom lived in what is now Northern Nigeria) founded several cities - states in southern Niger. In the early 16^th century, much of western and central Niger came under the Songhai Empire (centered at GAO on the Niger River in present day Mali), and after the fall of Songhai at the end of the 16^th century, eastern and central Niger passed to Bornu.

In the 17^th century, the Djerma (Zarma) people settled in southwest Niger near the Niger River. In the early 19^th century, Fulani gained control of southern Niger as a result of the Holy war waged against the Hausa by the Muslim reformer Usman Dan Fodio.

At the conference of Berlin (184-85), the territory of Niger was placed within the French sphere of influence. The French established several military posts in southern Niger in the late 1890's, but did not occupy Agadez until 1904 because of concerted Tuareg resistance. In 1900, Niger was made a military territory within Upper Senegal - Niger, and in 1922, it was constituted a separate colony within French West Africa. Zinder was the colony's capital until 1926, when it was replaced by Niamey. The French generally governed through existing political structures and did not alte4r substantially the institutions of the country; they undertook little economic development and provided few new educational opportunities.

3.7 POLITICAL BACKGROUND AND CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL GOVERNMENTS OF NIGER

National political activity began when Niger received its own assembly under French constitution of 1946, which established the French union. The first important political organization was the Niger progressive Party (PPN-RDA), a part of the «Rassemblement Démocratique Africain» (which had branches in most French West African territories). In the mid 1950's a Leftist party (later called Sawaba) headed by Bakary Djibo became predominant in the colony. However, when it unsuccessfully campaigned for complete independence in a 1958 referendum, the PPN (which favored autonomy for Niger within the French community) regained power.

Niger achieved full independence from France on August 3^rd, 1960, and Hamani Diori, the leader of the PPN, became its first president, he was reelected in 1965 and 1970. In the early 1960s, sporadic campaigns of rebel warfare were waged by the outlawed Sawaba party (most of whose members lived in exile). Otherwise, Niger enjoyed political stability, despite its weak economy and occasional ethnic conflicts, the PPN maintained firm control of the government. Close tiers were retained with France, which gave Niger considerable aid.

The country as severely affected by the Sahelian drought 0of 1968-1975, much of its livestock died and crop production fell drastically. In 1974, Hamani Diori was overthrown in a military coup led by Lt. Colonel Seyni Kountché, who cultivated ties with member of the European community neighboring African nations and Arab nations.

The Uranium boom of the early 1980s caused disparities in wealth that led to civil unrest. The government in 1983 quickly put down a coup attempt, and fear of opposition prompted frequent cabinet changes to ensure that officials were loyal.

Kountché died in 1987 and was succeeded by General Ali Seybou as Head of State. Seybou vowed to dismantle the ruling CMS and introduce civilian rule. In 1991, a 1,204 member of National conference suspended the constitution and dissolved the government. A transitional civilian government led by Cheffou Amadou ruled until 1993, when Mahamane Ousamane was elected president in free elections. However, an opposition coalition subsequently won control of the legislature, leading to a protracted stalemate. Conflict between the government and the Tuareg in the early 1990s with the signing of a peace accord in 1995.

In January 1996, the government was ousted in a coup led by colonel (later General) Ibrahim Baré Mainassara. Presidential election held in July 1996, were won by Mainassara, who replaced the Independent Electoral National Commission (CENI) with a handpicked one during the two-day poll. The members of his presidential Guard assassinated Mainassara in April 1999, and Major Daouda Malam Wanké became the Head of State. France, the country's major aid donor, suspended aid following the Coup de tat. In November 1999, elections were held for a new president and parliament, a retired Colonel, Tandja Mamadou, was elected president.