Mamadou Tandja

Mamadou Tandja served as the president of Niger, leading the country from 1999 until his removal in a coup in 2010. His presidency was marked by efforts to consolidate power, particularly during a constitutional crisis in 2009.12

Tandja sought to extend his term beyond the constitutional two-term limit. He proposed a referendum to allow for a three-year extension, aiming to draft a new constitution that would shift Niger to a full presidential republic and remove term limits. This move faced significant opposition from the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court, leading Tandja to dissolve the legislature and assume emergency powers. Despite widespread discontent and international criticism, the referendum was held, with official results indicating over 92 percent approval.2

However, Tandja's actions ultimately led to his downfall. In February 2010, he was deposed in a military coup, and a junta took control, promising to restore democracy. A new constitution was later approved, curbing the presidential powers Tandja had introduced.1