Niger - strike

Protests against Tandja's bid for third term

Article published on the 2009-07-01 Latest update 2009-07-01 15:47 TU

President Mamadou Tandja
(File photo: AFP )

People were absent on the streets of Niger's major towns and cities on Wednesday after the opposition called for the populace to stay at home to protest two-term President Mamadou Tandja's bid for an unconstitutional third term in office. In Niamey, the capital, some businesses opened, but received less clients than usual.

Traders at Niamey's three main markets were displaying their wares, but there were few shoppers.

"I would have better stayed at home, there are no customers," said Abdou Soule, a trader.

Transport companies and some shops in the suburbs, such as butchers and small food stores, opened for business, but civil servants remained at home to protest Tandja's declaration last Friday to use emergency powers in order to obtain another five-year term.

Tandja also abolished the constitutional court after it thrice-ruled against his plan to hold a referendum on a new constitution.

The Front for the Defence of Democracy (FDD) party, one of the three main opposition groups, organised the protest with non-governmental organisations and labour unions and had hope to paralyse the country.

In Niger's second-largest city, Zinder, "shops and stalls at the main market are shut. People respected our call. We are satisfied," the FDD said in a statement.

The group had picked Wednesday in order to coincide with the African Union's summit in Sirte, Libya.