Niger's newly installed junta has promised to organize elections in the wake of a visit by delegates from the United Nations and a regional grouping.
Mohamed Ibn Chambas, chairman of the West African bloc ECOWAS, said late Sunday that the coup leaders had promised to draft a new constitution and organize elections, Radio France International reported. No date was give for the elections, however, DPA reported.
Dissident soldiers stormed the presidential palace on Thursday afternoon and arrested President Mohamed Tandja, 71, whose attempts to cling to power beyond his second term have been blamed for the coup.
Tandja came to power in elections, considered generally free and fair, following a coup in 1999. The junta said it took power to restore stability in Niger and, as in 1999, would allow a speedy return to civilian rule.
Niamey, Niger's capital, is calm and, despite international condemnation from all quarters, Nigeriens say there is wide backing for the military.
The president last year rode roughshod over parliament and the constitutional court to extend his rule by three years and allow himself a chance at another term, raising tensions in the uranium- rich nation.
Tandja argued that he had to extend his term to oversee mining and energy deals he claimed would pull the former French colony out of poverty.
The ousted president, a former army officer, is being held in the presidential palace and is safe and well, according to the junta.
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