US calls for quick return to democracy in Niger

The United States yesterday called for a "speedy return to democracy" in Niger, including transparent elections after a coup in the western African nation.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people in Niger's western cities of Dosso and Tahoua celebrated yesterday over the military coup that toppled strongman Mamadou Tandja, witnesses said.

In Dosso, hundreds of residents took to the streets "to express their support for the junta," trader Mahamadou Boureima told AFP by telephone a day after the military coup.

People on motorcycles, in cars and on foot shouted "long live the council (junta)" and "Down with the regime of Tandja", the trader said.

The demonstration lasted less than two hours.

There were also celebrations in Tahoua, the home region of leading opposition figure Mahamadou Issoufou, residents said.

"The United States continues to call (for) Niger's speedy return to democracy and the rule of law, as well as prompt, fair and transparent elections," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters.

Mr Crowley said that the US was "gratified" by the strong international reaction to the coup, including a "strong statement" by the European Union.

"We will obviously work closely with our international partners and do everything we can to see democracy returned to Niger as rapidly as possible," he said.

However, Mr Crowley said that the US was still assessing the situation and would not yet formally declare that Niger had undergone a coup. Such a determination would trigger an immediate cut-off in US assistance, but the US already suspended millions of dollars in aid in December on concerns that President Mamadou Tandja was consolidating power.

The army on Thursday stormed a Cabinet meeting, seizing Mr Tandja who had forced through a new constitution last year.