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Niger Military Junta Names New Leader

   VOA News 19 February 2010
   Military junta televised statement

Photo: AFP

   TV  grab  image taken from Euronews channel shows Colonel Abdoul Karim
   Goukoye  Karimou  ,  spokesman  for  the  millitary junta delivering a
   televised statement in Niamey, 19 Feb 2010

   Niger's  military  junta  that  has  seized  power of the West African
   nation said Friday its leader is squadron chief Salou Djibo.
   The  soldiers  said in a statement government business will be handled
   by heads of ministries, for the time being.
   Armed  soldiers  carried  out  the  coup  Thursday,  saying  they were
   suspending   the  country's  constitution  and  dissolving  all  state
   institutions.
   Regional   blocks,  including  the  African  Union  and  the  Economic
   Community of West African States, have condemned the coup.
   A  spokesman  for  the  military  junta - Colonel Abdoul Karim Goukoye
   Karimou  -  said on state television Thursday the military had to take
   responsibility to end the country's tense political situation.
   President  Mamadou  Tandja recently changed the constitution to extend
   his  rule in office, a move that drew widespread criticism at home and
   abroad.
   The military spokesman said the junta wants to transform Niger into an
   example of democracy and good governance.
   Diplomatic   and   military  sources  say  armed  troops  stormed  the
   presidential  palace  in  the  capital,  Niamey,  Thursday  and seized
   President  Tandja  as  a  meeting  of  government ministers was taking
   place.  It is not clear where the president has been taken.
   For  several  hours  Thursday,  smoke  could  be  seen rising from the
   palace.  Witnesses reported heavy gunfire and explosions.
   Niger's  military  junta,  calling  itself the Supreme Council for the
   Restoration  of  Democracy,  said Thursday it had closed the country's
   borders  and  imposed  an  overnight  curfew.  It urged the country to
   remain calm and stay united.
   Witnesses  in  the capital say the streets of Niamey were largely calm
   by Thursday evening.
   Hospital  officials say at least three soldiers were killed during the
   attack on the presidential palace.
   In  Washington, a State Department spokesman said the United States is
   monitoring the situation in Niger. .
   United  Nations  Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he is also closely
   following the developments.
   Last   year,   President  Tandja  held  a  referendum  to  change  the
   constitution  and extend his rule, which had been due to expire at the
   end of 2009.
   When  Niger's  parliament and constitutional court said the referendum
   was illegal, President Tandja dismissed both and ruled by decree.
   In  response,  the  European  Union  and  the  United  States  imposed
   restrictions  on  Mr. Tandja's government and stopped some development
   aid.
   ECOWAS had suspended Niger.
   Some information for the report provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

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