Niger: Unleashing former President Tandja

By on November 12, 2010

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice has called on Niger’s military junta to respect a decision of a sub-regional court ordering the country’s leaders to release ousted President Mamadou Tandja under house arrest since his overthrow by the military junta in February,

six months after he forced through constitutional changes to extend his term and expand his powers. Nonetheless, the regional court of justice ruled that Mr. Tandja’s rights had been violated, and it ordered him freed. Meanwhile, Niger’s government spokesman, Laouali Dan Dah, has declined to comment, arguing that the junta had not been officially notified of the decision. This judgement was delivered after the adoption, by referendum, of the new constitution that reverses Mr. Tandja’s changes and clears the way for new elections and marking the first stage of transition to civilian rule in Niger. This judgement also guarantees immunity for the leaders of February’s coup and commits them to handing over power next year. The former President Tandja’s family welcomed the decision of ECOWAS, and the family lawyer, Souley Oumarou, had declared that the military has no choice but to submit to the court decision, for which there is no possibility of appeal.

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