NIGER: Timeline of constitution controversy

Photo: IRIN

President Mamadou Tandja (L) in seat of power, but for how long? (file photo)

DAKAR, 2 July 2009 (IRIN) - Calls to change Niger’s constitution to allow President Mamadou Tandja to stay in office have been met with protests from parts of Niger’s civil society, a negative ruling from the country’s highest court and a regional sanctions threat. Against the backdrop of the onset of the rainy season - and attendant concerns of heightened flooding and malnutrition - preparation continues to hold a constitutional referendum on 4 August. Below is a timeline of events that may affect Niger’s governance, regional trade and aid.


Recent events tied to constitution

22 December 2009
Scheduled end of Tandja’s two terms, as mandated by current constitution

11 November 2009
Scheduled presidential election

20 August 2009
Scheduled legislative election

4 August 2009
Proposed constitutional referendum

1 July 2009
European Commission warned government of potential changes to aid

1 July 2009
National work stoppage ordered by unions

29 June 2009
Tandja dissolved de facto constitutional court

26 June 2009
Consitutional court reaffirmed 12 June ruling; Tandja invoked article 53 and assumed emergency powers

25 June 2009
Rescheduled national 24-hour strike

18 June 2009
Strike ordered by country’s seven unions cancelled because of court ruling

17 June 2009
National bar association called for respect of 12 June constitutional court ruling

14 June 2009
Thousands demonstrated against referendum

13 June 2009
National electoral commission set legislative election date

12 June 2009
Constitutional court rejected constitutional referendum as “illegal”

5 June 2009
Council of Ministers set 4 August referendum vote

2 June 2009
Tandja signed decree creating technical committee to draft new constitution

26 May 2009
Tandja dissolved parliament (constitution holds that election must be held within 90 days)

17 May 2009
ECOWAS threatened sanctions if referendum takes place

21 December 2008
Rally at National Assembly in support of extending presidential term limit

6 October 2007
Tandja said he “will step down after his 2nd term” in interview with Le Monde

22 December 2005
Tandja sworn in for 2nd term. Pledges to “respect and enforce respect for the constitution”

22 December 1999
Tandja sworn in for 1st term

9 August 1999
Current constitution adopted