Why was Mamadou Tandja removed from power in the 2010 military coup?

Mamadou Tandja was removed from power in a military coup on February 18, 2010, due to widespread domestic and international discontent regarding his efforts to circumvent the democratic process and extend his rule.12

Following the expiration of his constitutionally mandated two-term limit in 2009, Tandja sought to remain in office for an additional three years. To achieve this, he took several controversial actions:

• Constitutional Manipulation: He attempted to hold a referendum to change the constitution, which would have allowed for the extension of his term and the removal of future term limits.1
• Undermining Institutions: When the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court opposed his plans, Tandja dissolved both bodies and assumed emergency powers to rule by decree.1
• Ignoring Opposition: Despite protests, boycotts, and pressure from international donors and ECOWAS, Tandja proceeded with the referendum and subsequent legislative elections, which were widely criticized as undemocratic.1

Ultimately, these actions led to his ousting by a military junta, the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy, which stated its intention to restore democratic governance.23