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ECOWAS Backs Court Ruling Demanding on of Ousted Niger Leader

   Peter Clottey 08 November 2010
   The  head of the military junta, General Salou Djibo, casts his ballot
   in  Niamey as Niger voted today in a constitutional referendum, 31 Oct
   2010

Photo: AFP

   The  head of the military junta, General Salou Djibo, casts his ballot
   in  Niamey as Niger voted today in a constitutional referendum, 31 Oct
   2010

   A  top  official  of  the  Economic  Community  of West African States
   (ECOWAS) has called on Nigerâs military junta to respect a decision of
   a  sub-regional court ordering the countryâs leaders to release ousted
   President Mamadou Tandja.

   Former  President  Tandja  has  been  under  house  arrest  since  his
   overthrow by the military junta in February.

   Sonny  Ugoh,  communications  director  for  ECOWAS, told VOA Mondayâs
   ruling shows the independence of the sub-regional court.

   âThe  court  is  one of our new institutions and this kind of judgment
   has  to  build  confidence in the court. I think it is a happy day for
   institutions in West Africa and we are excited by it.â

   The  regional  blocâs  court of justice ruled that Mr. Tandja's rights
   had been violated, and it ordered him freed. It did not elaborate.

   Meanwhile, Nigerâs government spokesman, Laouali Dan Dah, told VOA the
   government  is  yet  to  officially  receive any information about the
   courtâs ruling.

   Ugoh  said  the  regional  bloc has always expressed concern about the
   well-being of Nigerâs former leader.

   âWe  always  encourage  member  states  to  respect  the  rulings  and
   judgments  of  the  court  because  that  way  we can help to engender
   confidence  in the court. I think itâs important for the government of
   Niger  to  look  at it against that background and see how they comply
   with the judgment of the court because this is our court.â

   Niger's  military  toppled Mr. Tandja in February, six months after he
   forced  through  constitutional  changes to extend his term and expand
   his powers.

   The  coup leaders promised to hold elections and return the country to
   civilian rule by next April.

   Last  week,  voters in Niger endorsed a new constitution that reverses
   Mr. Tandja's changes and clears the way for new elections.
   It  also  guarantees  immunity  for the leaders of February's coup and
   commits them to handing over power next year.

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