President of Niger, Mamdou Tandja held Hostage

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Mick Shaw

19 February, 2010

The President of Niger has been held hostage in an unprecedented attack by armed soldiers. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire near the President's palace, where President Mamadou Tandja was holding a meeting.

The President of Niger has been held hostage in an unprecedented attack by armed soldiers. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire near the President’s palace, where President Mamadou Tandja was holding a meeting. The French officials believe this is a ‘Coup Attempt’.

According to a journalist, the soldiers have held the president at a stronghold located somewhere in the capital city of Niamey. The journalist, who haven’t disclose his identity for security reasons, was quoted as saying to Al Jazeera "The rebels have taken the president to a certain place, pending he submits his resignation."

The rebels, who’ve kidnapped the president, are demanding his immediate resignation. Apart form the president, a number of government minsters have been taken hostage as well.

The country currently has a population of over 15 million people and is also the world’s largest produce of uranium. President Mamadou Tandja has been the leader of Niger since 1999