Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa
NIAMEY, Niger – Supreme Council for Restoration of Democracy (CSRD) leader Major Salou Djibo has been named as the head of state and government during the country’s transitional period.
“The highest authority designing and directing national policy is headed by a president who exercises the functions of the head of state and government,” said a statement made by the CSRD.
The junta staged a coup last week. The transitional president has unveiled plans to draw up a new constitution that will be put to a referendum. Authorities have also promised to create a body to draft new electoral laws.
Last week’s coup ousted President Mamadou Tandja. The CSRD announcement came as the United States called for a peaceful and early transition in from military to civilian rule in the West African country.
“The United States continues to call (for) Niger’s speedy return to democracy and the rule of law, as well as prompt, fair and transparent elections,” State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said. “We will obviously work closely with our international partners and do everything we can to see democracy returned to Niger as rapidly as possible.”
Over the weekend, junta leaders met with United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) envoys. The CSRD convinced the UN, AU, and ECOWAS envoys of their plan to give power over to civilian rulers as soon as a new constitution is agreed upon.
No timeframe, however, has been given.
Tensions mounted as Tandja tried to maintain his presidency longer than the constitution allows. He has been in office since December 1999.
“The political party is very keen to return power to civilians and transition to an all-inclusive democracy,” said UN Special Representative for West Africa Said Djinnit. “This transition began with the occurrence of the coup and the expiration of the constitution and implementation of a new constitution.”
Representatives from the AU, ECOWAS, and CSRD met Sunday to push for a quick resolution to the conflict.
“The mission of this meeting is to assure this coup is the last,” said Djinnit. “No coup can be tolerated.”
A “constitutional committee” and a court will be set up to replace the dissolved constitutional and supreme courts.
Meanwhile, Tandja and his prime minister are being held under house arrest at a villa attached to the presidential palace.
For more information, please see:
AFP – Niger Junta Names Interim President, Plans New Constitution – 22 February 2010
CNN – U.S. Urges Speedy Return to Democracy in Niger – 22 February 2010
Reuters – Niger’s Junta Wins Popularity, Says Little Yet – 22 February 2010
VOA – Former Ruling Party Condemns Niger Coup – 22 February 2010
