Niger opposition rally pressures junta for elections

NIAMEY (Reuters) - Niger's main opposition group called on the ruling military junta to set swift elections during a rally in the capital on Saturday, two days after soldiers ousted leader Mamadou Tandja.

The junta has so far made no mention of handing over to civilian rule despite strongly worded statements from western powers and regional bodies.

"We say thank you to the junta for their intervention," opposition spokesman Bazoum Mohammed told the rally of more than 10,000 people. "We are for the restoration of democracy and we are committed to joining the army in this mission."

The opposition group CFDR sent a memorandum to junta leaders calling for a return to constitutional order after former president Mamadou Tandja orchestrated reforms in 2009 that extended his term and broadened his powers.

Heavily armed soldiers in armoured vehicles stormed the presidential palace in a hail of bullets Thursday, killing three people before detaining Tandja and suspending the constitution.

More than 10,000 people carrying signs saying "Long live democracy" and "The CFDR supports the army" gathered in the capital on Saturday morning as traditional Nigerien music blared from speakers.

Residents have said the coup has given them some cautious optimism for positive change in the uranium-producing country that has been plagued by strongman leadership since independence from France in 1960.

A member of the junta, which calls itself the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (SCRD), later spoke at the rally saying the coup was "in the interests of the country" but stopping short of mentioning elections.

Junta president Major Salou Djibo told reporters on Friday the military leadership was in the process of establishing its governing priorities, which are likely to include the desert country's severe food shortages.

Despite political turmoil over the past year, Niger has attracted billions of dollars in investment from major international companies, including French nuclear giant Areva and the China National Petroleum Corp, looking to tap into uranium and oil reserves, respectively.

Analysts have said they do not expect the change in government to affect their operating contracts given the lack of previous grievances against the resource sector.

The African Union on Friday called for the people of Niger to be allowed to elect the leader they wanted, and suspended the country's membership.

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State William Fitzgerald said Friday the United States may lift sanctions imposed on Niger following moves to establish civilian rule.

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