
The junta that took Niger by coup is now calling for new elections and a new constitution. The Niger coup junta wants elections and a new constitution to restore democracy to the country. And it’s the support of the people that the military is getting.
After LALATE broke to you last week that Salou Djibo’s junta successful took control of Niger, people have been reportedly flooding the streets in support of the army’s request for a new election.
Last week LALATE broke that the Niger coup had put junta leader Salou Djibo of the “Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy” in charged of the country, adding that it wanted Niger to become “an example of democracy and of good governance.”
That remark has gotten support. Seized Niger President Tandja brought this upon himself by “trying to extend his mandate in office” remarks U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley.
Colonel Djibril Hamidou Hima of the junta says:
“If you want proof, in 1999 we had a similar situation and we handed back power and we had 10 years of stability. We are going to do the same thing.”
Tandja is now under house arrest in a villa in Niamey also with his prime minister, interior minister and finance minister.
Mohamed Ibn Chambas, president of the ECOWAS Commission, tells press:
“They have assured us there will be an opening for everyone here in Niger, for an inter-Nigerien dialogue.
“It is this process that will lead to a new constitution and credible elections. They said they want a short transition that ends as soon as possible, but it is also the political dialogue that will define the timetable.”
Tanja has ruled for over a decade. He’s currently 71. But recently in August 2009 a new rule change allowed him to continue his term longer than normally permitted. Tanja closed down the parliament and the constitutional court.
The country rich in uranium is in West Africa.
The coup began on Thursday as broke by LALATE. Then a senior presidential official for Tandja said “All I can say is that it would appear that Tandja is not in a good position”. Tandja was thereafter taken into custody along with ministers and removed from the Presidential palace.
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