Launching the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace

Niamey, Niger—On Saturday, June 12, 2018, the official ceremony launching Niger’s chapter of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) was held at the National Assembly of Niger under the patronage of Speaker of the House Ousseini Tinni.

Nearly 200 participants attended this ceremony. They included Prime Minister Brigi Rafini, the leaders of important institutions in Niger, 15 government ministers, parliamentarians, members of the Youth Parliament Bureau, several former ministers and former parliamentarians, religious leaders, traditional chiefs, women leaders, and leaders in the arts. The ceremony was covered by 13 TV channels, including two international networks, and four national radio stations.

The welcoming address was given by Hon. Amina Balla Kalto, fifth vice-president of the National Assembly of Niger. He was followed by Hon. Kassoum Yacouba Maiga, national coordinator of IAPP-Niger and chairman of the organizing committee. Dr. Paterne Zinsou, secretary general of UPF-West Africa gave a background presentation about IAPP. Dr. Thomas Walsh, international chairman of UPF, gave the keynote address.

The 13 parliamentarians who are officers of IAPP were officially presented to the prime minister and to the Bureau of the National Assembly of Niger. They took the Oath of Office that was read by the president of IAPP-Niger, Hon. Iro Sani, first vice-president of the National Assembly of Niger.

The IAPP Founding Resolution was read by Hon. Nana Fassouma Oumarou. It was signed by the parliamentarians and other dignitaries.

Several dignitaries were appointed as Ambassadors for Peace on this occasion. For each of them, it is a mandate for a new mission. These were the president of the National Assembly, the prime minister, the First vice-president of the National Assembly, the minister in charge of relations with institutions and the minister of tourism and craftsmanship, as well as the Hon. Kassoum Yacouba Maiga, first vice-president in charge of the coordination of IAPP-Niger.

The launching ceremony of IAPP-Niger expressed the mobilization of a people and its government, honoring the Assembly with their presence. All the participants were very satisfied with the ceremony. Parliamentarians were delighted by the establishment of this parliamentary institution, which will be officially registered in the Networks of the Parliament of Niger. Authorities representing the entire country were present at its creation.