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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Military coup ousts Niger leader | Military coup ousts Niger leader |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| A coup has taken place in Niger and the president has been captured after a gun battle in the capital, Niamey. | A coup has taken place in Niger and the president has been captured after a gun battle in the capital, Niamey. |
| In a television announcement, a spokesman for the plotters said Niger's constitution had been suspended and all state institutions dissolved. | In a television announcement, a spokesman for the plotters said Niger's constitution had been suspended and all state institutions dissolved. |
| The country was now being led by a group called the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSRD), the spokesman said. | The country was now being led by a group called the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSRD), the spokesman said. |
| President Mamadou Tandja is believed to be in captivity at a military barracks. | President Mamadou Tandja is believed to be in captivity at a military barracks. |
| Reports say government ministers are also being held. | Reports say government ministers are also being held. |
| Making the announcement on television, the spokesman for the coup leaders, wearing a military uniform, was surrounded by a large group of soldiers. | Making the announcement on television, the spokesman for the coup leaders, wearing a military uniform, was surrounded by a large group of soldiers. |
| He called on the people of Niger to "remain calm and stay united around the ideals postulated by the CSRD", to "make Niger an example of democracy and good governance". | He called on the people of Niger to "remain calm and stay united around the ideals postulated by the CSRD", to "make Niger an example of democracy and good governance". |
| "We call on national and international opinions to support us in our patriotic action to save Niger and its population from poverty, deception and corruption, " he added. | "We call on national and international opinions to support us in our patriotic action to save Niger and its population from poverty, deception and corruption, " he added. |
| Tensions have been growing in the uranium-rich nation since last year. | |
| Mr Tandja was widely criticised when he changed the constitution in August to allow him to stand for a third term. |