From Chief Physician to King: Former Chief Physician from Germany becomes King in Niger

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Stars (1 / 1) 16.02.2026 16:15 / Julia

A serene life in Schleswig-Holstein ends in a royal surprise: Dr. Issifi Djibey, 75, former chief physician at the Rendsburg Hospital, was called back to his Nigerien homeland — and elected Emir. Read on to discover the full story!

The Dramatic Homecoming

For more than 20 years, Djibey headed departments in Rendsburg, then retired. Born into a noble family, he came to Germany on a scholarship in 1970. After the death of his predecessor in 2023, he was seen as a possible successor — and now won in a meeting of the village chiefs.

Election Under Threat

In Kokorou, a region with up to 150,000 people, more than a dozen candidates ran. Despite months of death threats, Djibey received 25 out of 51 votes and was confirmed as Emir for life.