The Modern Novel

Biography

André Salifoua was born in Zinder, in 19042. He worked for the Agency of Cultural and Technical Cooperation (Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique), UNESCO, and the Common African and Mauritian Organization. He then became a Professor of History at the University of Niamey until 1991. When the military regime of Ali Saibou was pressurised into returning to civil rule, Salifou was appointed President of the Presidium of the National Conference which brought about a transitional government and then democratic elections. He was then elected President of the High Council of the Republic, which was responsible for legislation in the transitional period.

He and the Interior Minister were kidnapped by soldiers demanding back pay but were soon released. He then became a candidate for his party, the Union of Democratic and Progressive Patriots in Zinder and was elected to the National Assembly as leader of his party, though they were in opposition.

When Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara seized power in a military coup in 1996, he became Minister of State in charge of Higher Education and Research and then Minister of State in charge of Foreign Relations and , finally, Minister of State in charge of Relations with the Assemblies. After the assassination of Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara and the return to democracy he was a candidate for the presidency but only came sixth but became Special Representative to La Francophonie. He later became Special Adviser to President Mahamadou Issoufou. He was later appointed a special ambassador. In addition to his political activities he has written numerous books, including novels, plays and books on history and politics.

Other links

André Salifou
André Salifou (in French)