Military Stages A Coup In Niger

The military has overthrown the government of Niger, an African nation located north of Nigeria and sandwiched between Mali and Chad. According to Reuters, the junta staged a coup d’etat to push out President Mamadou Tandja.

On state radio, this statement was announced: “The president of the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy also said it would set up a body to draft a new constitution for the northwest African uranium exporter, which would have to be adopted in a referendum before polls could be held.” This would be in addition to the naming of a prime minister and government to aid with the transition.
According to the CIA Factbook, Niger has been independent since 1960. While it lacks major issues rampant in many other African nations, such as HIV and AIDS, it is one of the world’s hottest and poorest nations. The Factbook says Niger has resources including uranium, gold, oil and coal. It is one of the world’s biggest uranium producer’s and neighboring Nigeria is one of the world’s biggest oil producers.

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