Presidential election in Niger: clashes and arrests after the publication of provisional results

In Niger, the capital, Niamey, was the scene of some scuffles (our photo), on February 24, against a backdrop of contestation of the results by the opposition.

AFP - ISSOUF SANOGO

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

The day after the publication of the provisional overall results of the second round of the presidential election in Niger, the capital was the scene of some clashes yesterday, Thursday, February 24, against a backdrop of contestation of the results by the opposition.

These provisional results give the PNDS candidate in power Mohamed Bazoum the winner with nearly 56% of the vote, ahead of that of the RDR Tchanji Mahamane Ousmane, credited in the lead with just over 44% of the votes cast.

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With our special correspondent in Niamey,

Magali Lagrange

Traces of the scuffles of February 24 were still visible in places last night.

Remains of burnt tires, or cobblestones on the road, gas station vandalized, but the streets of the capital, where internet access is limited, were quiet. 

Several arrests

Yesterday evening, on national television, the public prosecutor said that following these disturbances, several people were arrested and that others are wanted without further details.

Earlier in the afternoon, retired General Moumouni Boureima, known as "Tchanga", former Chief of Staff of President Mamadou Tandja ... was arrested in Niamey.

He would be suspected of being a leader of these troubles.

Legal means

On the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, Mahamane Ousmane made his first statement after the proclamation of the provisional results of the second round of the presidential election.

The RDR candidate Tchanji denounces fraud and rejects the figures published by the Ceni.

He claims to be in the lead with 50.3% of the vote, and promises to use all legal means to defend the victory he claims.

To read also: Presidential in Niger: Mahamane Ousmane disputes the results and claims victory

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