Dr. Issifi Djibe, who led a medical institution in Rendsburg for over two decades, has become the new emir of the Kokoru region in Niger. This was reported by the Kazinform agency, citing BILD.
After finishing his career, Djibe and his wife settled in Schleswig-Holstein, and he had no intention of returning to Niger, especially in the role of a ruler. However, Niger, located in West Africa, is one of the poorest countries on the planet.
Djibe received a scholarship in 1970, which allowed him to come to Germany, where he completed his medical education. His achievements in the profession are also emphasized by his aristocratic background: he belongs to a noble family and was one of the possible heirs of the previous monarch, who passed away in 2023. According to him, his family would not have approved of his refusal of the title or participation in elections.
Although central authority in Niger is concentrated in the capital, Niamey, traditional forms of governance still exist. In the Kokoru region, which is home to about 150,000 people, the king is elected by a council of village chiefs.
In the elections, which featured more than ten candidates, Djibe won, receiving 25 votes out of 51. His opponents, as reported by German media, even threatened him, but this did not prevent him from taking the position of emir of Kokoru for life.
Djibe is aware that the situation in Niger remains unstable, and the activity of jihadists poses a serious threat, which is why he only moves with security. As emir, he aims to be a link between the local population and the central government. His powers include tax collection and issuing judicial decisions. Additionally, he plans to improve the region's infrastructure so that resources are used more efficiently and benefit the population.
Despite his new responsibilities, Djibe does not intend to completely leave Germany; he hopes to return periodically to Schleswig-Holstein, and during his absence, his brother will perform his duties in Niger.
