Niger honours Monique Alexis with medal of merit
At an official ceremony last week at the Human Rights Commission of Niger in Niamey, Monique Alexis received the Knight Medal of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Niger from the Minister of Interior, Public Security, Decentralization and Customary and Religious Affairs, M. Bazoum Mohamed.
The success achieved with the various partnerships is linked to your ability to take into account the realities of the field dynamically. During the 16 years we worked together I was most marked by your availability in all circumstances, and your love for Niger.
Monique Alexis has devoted the last 16 years of her career to promoting human rights in West Africa. She has made a concrete difference for the protection of human rights in Niger by capacity building of state and non-state actors. Further M. Bazoum indicated at the ceremony that the medal was a gesture of recognition of the people of Niger.
Monique Alexis holds an education in both journalism and international politics, she is originally from France, but worked as a journalist in Denmark from 1985 to 2000. Since 2000 Monique has worked as a special adviser and later as strategic adviser in West Africa for the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR). Monique has been posted in both Niger and Mali for DIHR.
All the organizations and state-institutions that Monique and DIHR have worked with over the years in Niger were present at the ceremony, and took turns at the microphone to express their gratitude.
Monique has a unique insight in the West African context as well as a personality that connects with people – a unique combination of modesty, generosity and determination. She has been instrumental in our successful interventions in West Africa over the years.
For Monique Alexis, who was very emotional, after having been awarded this medal, Niger is, according to her, a family: "I am very touched by your presence here. I thank the government and in particular all the partner institutions. I hope that there will be an opportunity to return to Niger". The ordinance of Monique also, sadly, marks the end of her posting in West Africa for DIHR, because she has chosen to retire.