Niger: civil society declaration on suspending participation in Niger EITI process

We, representatives of independent civil society in the National Consultation Committee of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI Niger):

Concerned by the violation of the constitutional framework and threats to democratic gains in Niger,

Gravely concerned by the increased restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of the press in Niger,

Deeply concerned by the continued harassment and human rights abuses against civil society leaders who campaign for good governance, human rights, and fight corruption,

Noting the growing threats to the physical integrity and security of independent civil society representatives as well as the increased repression by Nigerien authorities, including interrogations, arrests and arbitrary detentions, abductions and deportations,

Determined to maintain active dialogue with all Nigerien and international stakeholders on transparent and accountable management of natural resources for poverty reduction and the well-being of Nigerien citizens,

Convinced that opaque management in the extractive sector and the protection of individual interests in the management of resource wealth are obstacles to Niger’s socioeconomic development,

Reaffirming Nigerien civil society’s commitment to support effective implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which Niger joined in 2005, and recalling the EITI principle that stipulates that ‘civil society participates actively in the design, follow up, and evaluation of this process and contributes to public debate’,

Acknowledging the critical role played by the media in sensitizing and promoting debate on transparency and governance issues,

Decide to suspend our participation in the EITI process in Niger and our involvement in the National EITI Consultation Committee’s activities until further notice.

Call on the Nigerien authorities, the EITI Board, development partners and ECOWAS to promote collaboration with, and the complementary role of, independent civil society on transparency and the responsible management of natural resources, and to guarantee its free participation in the EITI process.

Urge the Nigerien authorities to respect the democratic principles Niger committed to by guaranteeing the right to legal activity of independent civil society associations.

Call on the Nigerien government to ensure that the protection and security of civil society are safeguarded so they are free to play their role as watchdogs and observers of public authorities and extractive companies, without fear of censorship or intimidation.

Demand therefore the release of civil society leaders who have been imprisoned for exercising their freedom of speech and association as embodied in international conventions, including the release of Marou Amadou, President of CROISADE and FUSAD, Communications Secretary of ROTAB/PWYP Niger.

Signatories:

Khalid IKHIRI, President of the Nigerien Association for the Protection of Human Rights (ANDDH)

Oubandoma SALISSOU, National Coordinator of the Groupe de Réflexion sur les Industries Extractives (GREN)

Madame Bagna AISSATA FALL, President of the Nigerien Association Against Corruption – Transparency International – Niger chapter (ANLC TI)

Mamane WADA, Secretary General, ANLC TI

Bozari BOUBACAR, Representative of the Coalition Equité Qualité Contre la Vie Chère

Ali IDRISSA, National Coordinator of the Réseau des Organisations pour la Transparence et l’Analyse Budgétaire (ROTAB – Publish What You Pay Niger)

Niamey, 16 August 2009.