Rights group demands investigation into assassination

Niger's leading human rights group, the Niger Human Rights Association, has demanded an inquiry into the assassination last Friday of President Ibrahim Bare Mainassara, according to news reports. "The association reiterates its demand for an inquiry to shed light on the circumstances of the death of Mainassara," it said in a statement. It also called on the new military junta to reduce the duration of its nine-month transition rule to avoid the economic cost to Niger of aid suspension by foreign donors, Reuters said. Meanwhile officials of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) said the killing of Mainassara could cause instability and economic disruption throughout the region. Mainassara was gunned down at Niamey airport last week by members of his presidential guard. The new military junta led by Major Daouda Mallam Wanke has described his death as "an unfortunate accident" saying there was thus no need for an investigation.