Dr. Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey, President of the Conseil Consultatif de la Refondation (CCR), visited Sawani on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The purpose of his visit was to conduct a full sensitization session with the local population, aimed at fostering greater community engagement and awareness. The session focused on key themes including citizen mobilization, social cohesion, and the preservation of cultural values, aiming to engage residents on these critical issues vital for national stability and development. This important outreach initiative showed the CCR's commitment to direct interaction with communities across the nation.
Sensitization Session Details
Sawani, which holds the distinction of being the chief town of the rural commune of Sinder, is strategically located within the Tillabéri region, a significant administrative division. Dr. Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey, who also serves with distinction as the chief of the canton of Sinder, undertook a substantial and notable journey by river to reach the town for this key sensitization session. This mode of travel noted his dedication to reaching even remote communities. Upon his arrival, Dr. Djingarey received a particularly warm welcome from a large crowd, demonstrating the community's anticipation and respect for his visit. Following his arrival, Dr. Djingarey held a productive meeting with the assembled chiefs of villages and hamlets that are attached to the commune, ensuring broad representation from the local leadership.
Discussions during this key meeting addressed several critical areas of concern and development, including strong citizen mobilization efforts, pressing local security concerns, and the critical importance of social cohesion within and between communities. The agenda also focused significantly on the promotion and safeguarding of cultural values, recognizing their role in community identity and resilience. The session included various testimonials from community members, with the third presented specifically on behalf of cultural actors. These participants had recently attended the International Cultural Meeting held in Niamey, providing them with valuable insights and experiences which they shared with the local leaders present, enriching the dialogue with perspectives from a broader cultural exchange.
Calls for Citizen Mobilization
During his address, Dr. Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey issued a clear call for local populations to mobilize actively for the consolidation of national sovereignty. He urged citizens to remain highly vigilant against the spread of information that could potentially harm social cohesion and compromise security. Dr. Djingarey shared a compelling historical narrative, stating that the descendants of Sinder originally left Mali before settling in the area now known as Sinder, with some later moving to Nigeria, illustrating the deep historical roots and movements of the local populace. He advised strongly against listening to those encouraging war, division, and negative actions, firmly calling such incitements "lies" that seek to destabilize the community.
The CCR President emphasized the critical importance of the responsible circulation of information and actively encouraged the prompt transmission of threat-prevention information to administrative authorities, traditional chiefs, and imams, establishing a clear communication channel for security matters. He also advised extreme caution regarding the use of social media, stating unequivocally that information detrimental to the nation should not be shared before thoroughly verifying its source and scope, showing the dangers of misinformation. Dr. Djingarey called for heightened vigilance concerning foreigners presenting themselves in villages, urging residents to be observant and report any suspicious activities. He further urged young people to stay away from drug consumption, noting its detrimental effects on individuals and society. Instead, he encouraged them to return to the land and invest in agricultural activities, specifically utilizing the immense potential of the river that flows through their region. He noted the readily available water as a major asset for riverine populations, especially given the changing climate conditions and the increasing importance of water resources. Dr. Djingarey called for agriculture to be a fundamental pillar of local economic activities, extending its role beyond just ensuring food self-sufficiency to become a driver of broader economic growth and prosperity.
Community Response and Conclusion
Dr. Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from a large crowd upon his arrival in Sawani, reflecting the community's appreciation for his visit and his continued engagement. At the conclusion of the meeting, three distinct testimonials of satisfaction were ceremoniously awarded to him, acknowledging his multifaceted contributions. One testimonial specifically acknowledged his vital role as chief of the canton of Sinder, recognizing his leadership within the traditional structure. Another testimonial was presented on behalf of the entire population of Sinder, expressing their profound appreciation and gratitude for his efforts. The third testimonial was notably presented on behalf of the cultural actors who had recently participated in the International Cultural Meeting in Niamey, noting the impact of their shared experiences and the recognition of cultural preservation efforts. The visit concluded with a collective prayer, organized by the local ulema, which was followed by the solemn recitation of Al Qunut, a special supplication. During the Asr prayer, marabouts offered heartfelt invocations and duas, calling for enduring peace, enhanced security, and profound social tranquility across all of Niger, showing the spiritual dimension of the community's aspirations.