In Niger, coup leaders suspend constitution

Coup leaders in Niger have suspended the constitution, dissolved all institutions and imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew.

The group which calls itself the Supreme Council for Restoration of Democracy (CSRD) said they have seized President Mamadou Tandja and his ministers after the cabinet meeting on Thursday.

It is not known where they are being held.

The CSRD announced on the radio that the curfew would run from 6:00 p.m. (1700 GMT) through 6:00 a.m. (0500 GMT).

Head of Africa’s biggest uranium-producing country amended the constitution in 2009 to extend his mandate for a third term despite local and international calls against the move.

Gunfire and loud explosions echoed across the capital, Niamey, as soldiers assaulted the presidential palace where Tandja, the country’s strongman for the past decade, presided over a cabinet meeting.

In the ensuing battle, three soldiers have been killed and at least 10 others have been injured, the group’s spokesman Colonel Goukoye Abdoulkarim said.

The African Union has voiced its concern condemning the violence.