What happened during the 1999 coup in Niger?

In April 1999, President Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara was assassinated at the airport in Niamey, reportedly by members of the Presidential Guard. This event occurred during a military coup that ended his administration, which had faced significant criticism for its repressive actions.12

Following the assassination, a nine-month transitional government was established under the leadership of Major Daouda Malam Wanké and the National Reconciliation Council (Conseil de Réconciliation Nationale; CRN). This transition period concluded later that year with the promulgation of a new constitution and the holding of elections, which resulted in the return to democratic government under President Mamadou Tandja.23