Similarly, Tandja’s decision to build the health huts (alongside other development projects under the Special Program) was cited by supporters as evidence of ‘how much [Tandja] has invested himself in improving life conditions for the average Nigerien ’ and used as an argument for extending his rule under Tazartch As such, Tandja positioned himself as the chief who is entitled to eat well (and retain power) only ‘if his children are [not] suffering’