Niger president held by troops: military sources (Coup)

Reuters ^ | 18 Feb, 2010 | Abdoulaye Massalatchi

[Ben Mugged]

Niger's President Mamadou Tandja was detained by mutinous troops on Thursday after a coup in the west African uranium exporter that left at least three soldiers dead, military sources said.

Three Nigerian military sources said the coup was led by a soldier named Major Adamou Harouna.

"The coup leader has succeeded. It is being led by Major Adamou Harouna," one source said. The president and the ministers are being detained not far from the presidential palace, the sources added.

Earlier in the day plumes of smoke were seen rising from the palace after soldiers attacked the building where Tandja was holding a meeting, sparking several hours of gunfire in the capital Niamey.

Political tensions have been high in Niger in recent months over Tandja's extension of his rule, which drew widespread criticism and international sanctions.

State radio, which had been broadcasting normally, began playing military music.

Witnesses said machine gun and heavy weapons fire erupted in the city at around 1200 GMT. Four hours later most shooting had eased.

Hospital sources said at least three soldiers were killed in the clashes. Earlier, a Reuters witness saw five injured soldiers at a hospital.

An intelligence officer, who asked not to be named, said the violence was a coup attempt that the presidential guard was trying to put down. A French diplomatic source called the incident a coup attempt but said the fighting was short-lived.

[Ben Mugged]

Although Niger is one of the poorest countries in Africa, it has about 8 percent of the world's uranium, and has had some lucrative uranium contracts, particularly with China. According to CNN.

[Roccus]

Get ready for a new round of scam emails.

[LibFreeUSA]

I wonder if Hillary is going to start revoking visas, and begin ‘insisting’ on the ‘return of...’

[Mr. Lucky]

Niger, not Nigeria.

[Ben Mugged]

Tensions have been rising in Niger recently. Tandja, who has been in office since December 1999, has recently been trying to force through a bid for a third term.

Looks like another dictator foiled.

[Roccus]

Same-O, same-O

[A_Tradition_Continues]

That’s Niger, not Nigeria.

[Star Traveler]

Niger president held by troops: military sources

Ummmm..., I thought the "N-word" wasn't allowed... hmmmm....

[manonCANAL]

Could that happen in America??????
huuuuumh

[babygene]

“Niger president held by troops: military sources”

Is that where Obama’s from?

[Star Traveler]

You were asking ...

Could that happen in America??????

Yeah, as soon as we hit "Fourth World" status...

[ that's one step below Third World... doncha know... LOL...]

[Star Traveler]

You were asking ...

Is that where Obama’s from?

Not sure... but I'm sure I don't want him here... :-)

[nomad]

Now SOMEBODY is going to take advantage of that headline,good god,where do they get these PUTZ-ler prize winners?

[VanDeKoik]

Is this news?

This is just a typical Thursday on that continent.

[Elle Bee]

Yellow Cake

.