Hama Amadou, a prominent opposition leader and former Prime Minister of Niger, died Thursday in a hospital in Niamey at the age of 74. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Amadou served as prime minister twice, first from 1995 to 1996 and again from 1999 to 2007. He also held the position of speaker of Parliament from 2011 to 2014. Throughout his career, he made three unsuccessful bids for the presidency.
As the founder of the Nigerien Democratic Movement for an African Federation in 2009, Amadou played a key role in Niger’s political landscape. He was also a prominent member of the MNSD party.
Amadou faced legal challenges throughout his career, including multiple incarcerations. Notably, in 2009, he was imprisoned on embezzlement charges, which were later dismissed. In 2015, he was jailed again in connection with an investigation into an alleged infant trafficking network, a charge he claimed was politically motivated.
Despite being in prison, Amadou was approved to run as a presidential candidate in the March 2016 election, where he finished in second place.
After spending several years abroad, he returned to Niger following the July 2023 coup against President Mohamed Bazoum but had stepped away from politics until his death.
Local media reported that the ruling CNSP organized official funerals for Amadou on Friday morning, October 25. He was buried in his hometown of Youri in western Niger, surrounded by family and friends.
