Niamey – In a notable diplomatic engagement, the President of Niger’s National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP) and Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, received Mr. Soro Gigbafori Guillaume, the former Prime Minister and former President of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire, at the Presidential Palace on Monday, November 13, 2023.

According to Burkina Information New Agency, following the audience, he expressed deep gratitude to Niger, referring to it as his “second homeland.” He extended his appreciation to the people of Niger, describing them as valiant. Mr. Soro spoke highly of the transition leaders, particularly President Tiani, who received him with “great friendship, consideration, and respect.”

The former Ivorian leader expressed his emotional response to the warm reception he received from the Nigerien President. He is a declared opponent of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and has been in exile for five years due to political-judicial issues in Côte d’Ivoire.

Mr. Soro highlighted the significance of his return to the African continent after a prolonged exile, noting the irony that his re-entry was facilitated by a military government in Niger. He pointed out that this opportunity came at a time when other democratically elected governments in the region had refused to receive him.

Grateful for the hospitality and support he received in Niger, Mr. Soro acknowledged the country’s role in his rehabilitation and for allowing him to set foot on its soil. This meeting marks a significant moment for Mr. Soro, ending his five-year exile from the African continent.