Niger's Minister of Refoundation and Social Value Promotion, Abdourahamane Oumarou, conducted a working visit to Tahoua region from October 25-30, 2026. The visit coincided with the 13th edition of the Dan Gourmou Prize. The minister expressed satisfaction that the event provided an opportunity for his department to implement its program of taking stock of the situation on the ground. During his stay, Oumarou held three meetings with change actors at the University Djibo Hamani, the Albarka Tchibaou House of Culture, and the Tahoua City Hall.
The minister engaged with various stakeholders, including university lecturers, artists from the eight regions in Tahoua, and civil society organizations. He also paid courtesy visits to the Chief of Canton of Tahoua and the leader of the Peulh Groupement in Tahoua. According to Oumarou, these meetings allowed him to exchange ideas freely with strategic actors in the refoundation process and essential relays for transmitting the message of awareness in favor of social and behavioral change.
The minister reported that discussions during the meetings aligned with the vision outlined by the President of the Republic, aiming to build a new Niger where Nigeriens, united and solidary, make sovereign decisions for their country and people's interests. Actors expressed pride in participating in the fight for the reconquest of Niger's true sovereignty. They also praised the resilience of the Nigerien people in the face of trials and unjust pressures imposed by external and internal adversaries.
The stakeholders welcomed the authorities' willingness to govern differently to create a Niger proud of its culture, aware of its responsibility, and deeply attached to its values. Oumarou noted that the people he met praised the determination that allowed the population to remain steadfast, overcome obstacles, and make Niger's voice heard in the concert of nations. They also saluted the popular mobilization that imposed respect for Niger's sovereign choice and earned admiration from many African and international peoples who cherish peace and freedom.
This historic choice, according to Oumarou, forced some adversaries who had underestimated the Nigerien people's determination to reassess their position. The minister emphasized that no great emancipation struggle can be sustainably built without the contribution of artists, musicians, poets, and content creators. He welcomed the enthusiasm of artists for promoting the values enshrined in the refoundation charter.
Oumarou revealed that out of 2,800 artistic works recorded by the BNDA from July 27, 2023, to October 12, 2026, 1,400 works focused on promoting refoundation values, social cohesion, peace, security, respect for public goods, and the fight against corruption, drugs, and begging. The minister's visit demonstrated the government's commitment to engaging with local actors and promoting social and behavioral change.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment to the refoundation process, with the minister and local stakeholders sharing a vision for a new Niger. The government's efforts to engage with various actors and promote social value promotion are expected to continue, with the minister's visit serving as a catalyst for further progress in the region.
Key points
- The minister's visit to Tahoua region was part of a broader effort to engage with local actors and promote social and behavioral change in Niger.
- The visit highlighted the importance of artists and content creators in promoting refoundation values and social cohesion.
- The government's commitment to refoundation and social value promotion was reiterated during the visit, with stakeholders expressing support for the process.
