Democracy News

Military Coup Ousts Niger’s President
February 19, 2010
By: Benjamin Russell and Paul Larson | Printer Friendly

Niger’s President Mamadou Tandja was removed from power in a military coup, Thursday, after ruling the country for more than a decade. 

The coup is believed to have been a response to Tandja’s efforts to augment presidential power and extend his stay in office past the constitutionally mandated limit of two 5-year terms, according to the Washington Post.  The president enacted a series of widely-criticized constitutional reforms in 2009 that reportedly bred disillusionment among some factions of the military.  

The Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSDR), the junta now controlling the county, says it wants to turn Niger into “an example of democracy and good governance.”  The CSDR also played a role in the 1999 coup that quickly led to democratic elections, according to the Washington Post, raising hopes among some observers that the democratic process will soon be restored.

On February 22, Colonel Salou Djibo was announced as the head of state and government.  Djibo appointed former Communications Minister Mahamadou Danda as Prime Minister.  The Prime Minister has been charged with carrying out a transition from military rule to civilian control.

The former President is being held in service quarters on the presidential compound.  Colonel Hamidou said that the Red Cross would be allowed to visit him.  The former head of the military, General Moumouni Boureima, has also been confined to his home. 

Though he condemned the coup, State Department Spokesman Phillip Crowley said that Tandja’s efforts may have “precipitated” it, according to AFP.  He added that the coup “underscores that Niger needs to move ahead with the elections and the formation of a new government.” 

Sources:

AFP - US Official Says Tandja Can Blame Himself for Niger Coup

BBC News -Niger coup leaders promise fresh elections

BBC News - Niger junta names civilian as caretaker prime minister

Reuters – Niger’s Capital Calm One Day After Coup

Reuters - Niger junta to assume powers, will name PM, government

Washington Post - Niger Junta Names Platoon Commander as its Leader