Niger celebrates unity in the wrestling arena
AGADEZ: The winner falls to his knees, arms raised triumphantly. After just eight minutes, his opponent’s knee and elbow have touched the sand, handing “Issaka Issaka” an historic win in Niger’s king of sports.
The annual wrestling tournament in the northern city of Agadez enthrals the vast West African nation. It’s more than just a sporting event. The prime minister is joined by his counterparts from fellow military-led neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso to watch the competition. Now in its 44th year, the National Saber event takes place this time under the banner “safeguarding the homeland”. It comes at the close of a turbulent year for Niger which saw military officers seize power on July 26.
A few days later, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened an armed intervention to restore democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum. The regional bloc also imposed tough sanctions against Niger, which has one of the world’s poorest populations despite having major resources.
But for 10 days, those troubles are forgotten as all eyes are on the skill and manoeuvres of the wrestlers. “It’s true we’re facing a difficult economic situation but the Nigerien people are resilient,” regional councillor Alhassane Youssoufa, who is among the spectators, said.
Opportunity
Around the giant screen showing the matches, on posters and billboards, the portraits of the leaders of Niger, Burkina and Mali are an indicator of a defence pact struck in September. Arenas are decked out in the colours of the three Sahel states, which are all fighting a jihadist insurgency that erupted in northern Mali in 2012.
Warm messages of support for Niger’s ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and its leader General Abdourahamane Tiani play constantly over the speakers. “Everyone is tuned in to the wrestling, in offices, taxis,” said sports journalist Issoufou Kodo, who is covering the event live for national radio and in Hausa, one of Niger’s national languages. “It’s the perfect time to run all possible communications,” he added.