Hama Amadou, the former prime minister of Niger, renowned for his political resilience and comebacks, has died at the age of 74 in Niamey, his family announced on Thursday.
According to the newspaper L’Enquêteur, the “giant of Nigerien politics” passed away overnight from Wednesday to Thursday after contracting malaria.
Tributes have flooded social media for Amadou, who served as prime minister from 1995 to 1996 under President Mahamane Ousmane and again from 2000 to 2007 under President Mamadou Tandja. He later became speaker of parliament from 2011 to 2014.
“Hama Amadou left an indelible mark on our nation’s history with his unwavering commitment and service,” wrote Tourism Minister Soufiane Aghaichata Guishene. “His political legacy and humanity will continue to inspire future generations.”
Niger is grieving the loss of Amadou, with L’Enquêteur writing on its website, “Hama Amadou, a man of every battle, is no longer! Niger mourns today for one of its most illustrious sons. The long journey of a man who forever shaped our country’s history has come to an end.”
Amadou was a vocal critic of President Mohamed Bazoum, who assumed office in 2021 but was ousted two years later in a military coup led by Brigade General Abdourahamane Tiani.
Amadou had been imprisoned several times, including in 2021, for alleged involvement in unrest following the announcement of the general election results. Despite this, authorities had permitted him to receive medical treatment in Paris. He returned to Niger in September 2023, following Bazoum’s ousting by the military.
(PUNCH)