This Video Does Not Show Niger’s Finance Minister Crying While Facing Fraud Accusation
The Claim
A video shows the Niger minister of finance crying after being given 48 hours by the military to explain the country's missing finances and stolen money or face execution by a firing squad.
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Emerging story
Following the recent coup attempt in Niger, social media users circulated a video purporting to show the Niger minister of finance crying. According to the claim, he had been given 48 hours by the military, following the coup overthrow, to explain the country's missing finances and stolen money or face execution by a firing squad.
The video has accumulated tens of millions of views.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the viral video and found the claim to be misleading.
A thorough reverse image search revealed the video making the rounds to be outdated and unrelated to the Niger minister of finance.
This Is Not Niger’s Minister of Finance Crying
Misbar searched for the current Niger Minister of Finance and found that Ahmat Jidoud, a 43-year-old economist, had been appointed to the position in April 2021.
Furthermore, upon examining the images, it became evident that the person featured in the video had a different physical appearance compared to the ousted Minister of Finance, Ahmat Jidoud.
The individual in the video had a dark complexion, while Ahmat Jidoud is recognized for his light-skinned appearance. Consequently, it is improbable that the person shown in the video is Ahmat Jidoud.
The Video of Marou Amadou Crying Is Outdated
Furthermore, the video is old and dates back to December 2021.
"Damagram Post," a Facebook page, published the video on December 27, 2023, under the caption: "Former minister of justice Marou Amadou is crying for joy after being appointed as Niger ambassador in Ethiopia."
Another Facebook page published the video on December 27, 2023.
In April 2011, Marou Amadou, previously known as a civil society activist, was appointed Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, and Government Spokesperson.
He served in this capacity until the end of President Issoufo's two-term administration in April 2021. Subsequently, in December 2021, Marou Amadou was appointed as the Nigerien ambassador to Ethiopia, representing both the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community for Africa (ECA).
Niger Arrests Politicians After Coup
The overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum has caused ripples across West Africa, leading to divisions between Niger's former Western allies and other junta leaders in the region, including Russia.
Numerous influential bodies such as the African Union, the U.N., the European Union, and other major powers have condemned the coup against President Mohamed Bazoum. This event marks the seventh military takeover in less than three years in West and Central Africa, eroding democratic progress in one of the world's poorest regions.
ECOWAS, the regional bloc, responded with sanctions, including halting all financial transactions and freezing national assets. They also mentioned the possibility of authorizing the use of force to reinstate President Bazoum, who remains confined to his palace.
On Monday, Niger's junta arrested several members of the ousted government, including the mines minister, the head of the ruling party, and the oil minister.
Amidst the developments, a United States official stated that the coup had not been entirely successful and emphasized the chance to reinstate President Bazoum. France and Germany echoed similar sentiments.
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