By Jennifer M. Haralambides
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa
NIAMEY, Niger – United States, African Union, and United Nations want Niger’s military junta to act quickly on pledges to restore democracy, saying sanctions could be lifted following moves to establish civilian rule.
During Thursday’s military coup, President Mamadou Tandja was taken into custody and the government was dissolved. Because of this, the African Union imposed sanctions on Niger and demanded that they return to constitutional rule.
Ban Ki-Moon, the United Nations Secretary General condemned the coup and appealed for the respect for human rights.
Colonel Goukoye Abdul Karimou, a junta spokesman, said that the situation was “under control” and that there was no “single voice of dissension” in the West African State.
“We are taking care of [Tandja] – remember he is one of our elder soldiers,” he said.
He also reassured reporters that most of the cabinet ministers captured along with the president had been released and returned home. The three who remain captured will be freed in a couple of days.
The coup took place on Thursday when troops stormed the palace during a cabinet meeting seizing Mr. Tandja and his ministers before announcing that they were suspending the constitution and dissolving all state institutions.
Those supporting the coup call themselves the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSRD). This coalition is made up of political parties, trade unions and human rights groups formed last year to protest against the constitutional changes.
The leaders of this council promised to turn Niger into an example of “democracy and good governance” and to save its people from “poverty, deception and corruption.”
The United States said it believed the coup had been triggered by Mr. Tandja’s actions late August, when he held a controversial referendum to abolish term limits on the presidency.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State William Fitzgerald said that the US position is clear: they have to show as soon as possible that they are genuinely seeking to restore the constitution and move to a return to democratic and civilian rule.
Even though the African Union and regional group ECOWAS have condemned the takeover by force, there have been few kind words for Tanjda who’s rule was controversial and subject to sanction.
For more information, please see:
Al Jazeera – Niger Demonstrators Celebrate Coup – 20 February 2010
BBC – African Union Suspends Niger After Military Coup – 20 February 2010
National Post – Niger Coup Serves as Wake-Up Call – 20 February 2010
Reuters – US Says Niger Junta Faces Choice on Democracy – 20 February 2010
Reuters – Niger Opposition Rally Pressures Junta for Elections – 20 February 2010
