By Ayomide Otitoju
Hama Amadou, Niger’s former prime minister and a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape, passed away at the age of 74 in Niamey, his family announced on Thursday. Known as “the Phoenix” for his ability to stage political comebacks, Amadou died overnight from Wednesday to Thursday after contracting malaria, according to local newspaper L’Enqueteur.
Tributes quickly poured in on social media for the “giant of Nigerien politics.” Amadou served as prime minister twice—first 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 under President Mahamadou Issoufou.
“Hama Amadou marked the history of our country with his commitment and devotion to serving the nation,” said Tourism Minister Soufiane Aghaichata Guishene. “His political legacy and humanity will continue to inspire future generations.”
State television interrupted its regular programming to broadcast religious music and Koranic recitations, as is customary in the majority-Muslim country when an important figure passes.
A ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Presidential Palace in Niamey, followed by a funeral in Amadou’s home village of Youri, near the capital, according to his political party.
Former President Mahamadou Issoufou, who held office from 2011 to 2021 and had a complex relationship with Amadou, shared his condolences on Facebook. “Whether in moments of convergence or divergence, we were all aware of sharing the same tear, from the same eye—Niger. I mourn the loss of one of my greatest allies and fiercest opponents,” Issoufou wrote.
Niger is in tears. Hama Amadou, the man of every fight, is no longer! L’Enqueteur declared, paying tribute to Amadou’s enduring impact on the country’s political history. “Niger today mourns one of its most illustrious sons. His journey has ended, but his legacy will last.”
Amadou was a vocal critic of President Mohamed Bazoum, who took office in 2021 before being overthrown by a military coup two years later, led by Brigade General Abdourahamane Tiani. Amadou had been imprisoned several times, including in 2021 following unrest over the general election results.
Despite his frequent legal troubles, Amadou was allowed to seek medical treatment in Paris. He returned to Niger in September 2023 after the military ousted President Bazoum.
