Military Coup In Niger,President still in Captivity.

Soldiers stormed the presidential palace on Thursday, seizing Tandja and some of his aides after a four-hour gun battle. At least three people were reported to have been killed in the gunfight.

Niger at a glance
Population of 15.3 million according to a 2009 estimate
Declared independence from France in 1960
Official language French with several local languages also spoken
Main religion Islam with Christian minority in south and traditional African religions also practised
One of world's leading producers of uranium, accounting for about 7.5 per cent of world's supply
Two-thirds of country is desert, with only fertile area along Niger River
Sources: Reuters, CIA World Factbook

Tensions had been high in Niger since President Tandja dissolved parliament last year and changed the constitution to extend his rule following a referendum - a move that drew widespread criticism at home and led to international sanctions.

Marie-Roger Biloa, founding editor of the Africa International magazine, said some sort of action had been expected.

"Nigeriens are very proud of their democratic process," she told Al Jazeera from Paris, where she is based.

"They [Nigeriens] have been really trying to put a democratic institution in place, and everybody was expecting something to happen after President Tandja decided not to play by the rules."

Last June, Tandja dissolved the constitutional court that had ruled against him and assumed the power to rule by decree, brushing aside international criticism of the move, saying he was answerable only to the people of Niger.

He was supposed to step down in December following two five-year terms in a row, but his so-called reforms removed most checks on his authority, abolished term limits and gave him an initial three more years in power without an election, an extension he said he needed to complete large-scale investment projects.

Truth to tell Tandja has been asking for it for a long time. Nigeria and several other well- meaning neighbours pleaded with him several times but he refused to listen. Even Obasanjo's third term saga was brought up, but he said his country was small and that he could contain trouble makers. While any military coup in Africa is deplorable, Tandja went for it with his eyes open. One only hopes that more lives will not be lost in reprisals, which are sure to follow coups in Niger.

The coup was timely and equally desirous to the helpless and hopeless people of the impoverish country. X- President Tandja violated the constitution severally, became dictatorial and despotic. He transformed into an absolute ruler and on his way to adorn self with a political tin god regalia. The critical and all the morally sensitive groups in Niger used all the constitutional and democratic remedies to stop him but all to no avail. And as always, anybody that makes positive change impossible would make negative change inevitable. And of course, what is the primary role of a nation's military if not to defend that country against any threat to its peace be it internal or external, in additon to maintaining law and order. The soldiers did their service first, to thier creator and the suffering people of Niger. I associate with them and wish them well. I hope they would be able to clear the mess soonest and return the country to the democrtically elected government. As for Tandja, he got what he wanted. I pray God to forgive and have mercy on him. And let the Niger case serve as a lesson for other African leaders who are taking their people for granted. Let them always remember that every begining has an end. BY DAGACI

Things are under control for now,If the words of the Military is anything to go by then Niger will see good.Thwey said They are acting in unison with the democractic group.

Bad news for african politics.

Bad News for African Politics, BUT , Goodnews for the people of Niger,I like what Dagachi said.

What is the situation now?.