Niger elections are in full swing as we speak. We have among the candidates for regional and national offices–six friends running. Every one of them we have known and worked with for at least ten years. We are very proud that our work together has led to visibility that encouraged them to run. They are known for their willingness to help the population. We wish them success!
Mohamed Mamane, who we call Sidi, has been our representative in Niger since 2005. Moussa, his substitute, has helped at Tamesna since it started. I have known him since 1998. They are running to represent the region of Ingal where our Center for Nomadic Life at Tamesna is located.
Isma has been a driver on almost every mission and most tourist trips I have taken since 1997. He is running to represent Imalole where we have supported a school and have traditional birth attendants.
Abdallah is the son of Akoli who gave us our well at Tamesna. He is running for national office representing Agadez. Sidi is running as his substitute.
Aghali has run our many projects in Iferouane and has represented the artisans, both jewelers and leather workers there. I have known him since 2000.
Mariama has been one of our hardest working traditional birth attendants since 2012. She is running to represent Tedbouk, where we have supported their school. Go Girl!
What were the results of the elections?
Sidi, Moussa and Mariama won.