A rural canton of 67 villages, rich in culture, youth, and the landscapes of the Dallol Bosso.
Amadou Seyni Maïga is a member of the Zarma ethnic group. His father, Seyni Magagi, served as the traditional ruler (Djermakoye) of Kiota and Harikanassou from 1969 to 1974.
Maïga joined the Nigerien Armed Forces in 1962 and served for more than 30 years. He began his career in the 2nd Motorized Sahara Company in Agadez, where he became a corporal in 1963. He later trained at the Reserve Officers’ School in Montpellier, France, and served in the 4th Motorized Sahara Company in N’Guigmi. After further training in Saint‑Maixent, France, he became a second lieutenant in 1966.
In 1967, Maïga became aide to President Hamani Diori and was promoted to lieutenant in 1968. He later commanded several military units, including the Armed Forces Training Centre in Tondibiah and the 5th Motorized Sahara Company in Tahoua. In 1974, he became commander of the 1st Command and Supply Company in Niamey.
Maïga was one of the officers involved in the April 15, 1974 coup that overthrew President Diori. His role was to secure the national broadcaster ORTN. After the coup, he became commander of the Republican Guard and a member of the Supreme Military Council, Niger’s ruling military body until 1989. He also served in civil administration, becoming prefect of Niamey in 1976 and later prefect of Maradi and Zinder.
From 1980 to 1981, he served as Minister of Health and Social Welfare and was promoted to major. He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming lieutenant colonel in 1986 and colonel in 1990. He also served as military attaché in Paris and later as Inspector General of the Nigerien Armed Forces.
After Niger transitioned to multi‑party democracy in 1991, Maïga retired from military and administrative duties. He later returned to public service, chairing a commission on illegal weapons in 1994 and serving again in the National Movement for Development. In 1997, he was appointed Niger’s ambassador to Kuwait. He later served as a special advisor to President Salou Djibo from 2010 to 2011.
In 2013, Maïga was elected Djermakoye of Kiota and Harikanassou, following in his father’s footsteps. He is married and has three children.
The Canton of Kiota–Harikanassou covers an area of 533 km². It is divided into two rural communes: Kiota and Harikanassou. The capital of the canton is Harikanassou.
The canton is bordered by the Sultanate of Dosso (East), the Canton of Koygolo (North), the Canton of Birni N’Gaouré (South & West), and the Cantons of Kouré and Dantchandou (North‑West).
The population is about 60,000 inhabitants across 67 villages, mainly Zarma, Peulh, Tuareg, and Hausa. Youth represent nearly 65% of the population.
The landscape includes the sandy valley of the Dallol Bosso (Boboye) and the Zigui and Fakara plateaus.
Surface water consists of permanent and semi‑permanent ponds. Groundwater depth ranges from less than one meter to about 30 meters.
Vegetation includes trees, shrubs, and grasses, with doum palms, gamsa, and rôniers dominating the valley.
Wildlife includes wild guinea fowl, African partridges, and the last remaining West African giraffes.
Economic activities are mainly agriculture, livestock, fishing, handicrafts, natron extraction, and gathering — representing 98% of livelihoods.
The canton is suitable for irrigated agriculture but faces challenges such as isolation, land degradation, and lack of production tools.
Public services include agriculture, health, education, water, and sanitation. Several NGOs are active in the area.
HAOUFO KOUROU HINKA
“Every ox has only one skin. But the ox of Kiota has two.”
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