Annan condemns army mutiny

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has condemned a mutiny by soldiers in Niger, and expressed support for the government's determination to pursue dialogue in order to restore peace, stability and democratic government throughout the country, the UN reported on Wednesday. "[Annan] is very concerned by the upsurge of violence in Niger. He firmly condemns any attempt to seize power by force, or the use of violence to address grievances [and] calls for full and unconditional respect for the constitutional order in Niger," Spokesman Fred Eckhard told reporters. The mutiny began on 31 July in Diffa, 1500 km east of the capital, Niamey, when soldiers took over their barracks and detained various defence, security and civilian officials, including the prefect, a parliamentarian and the town's mayor. The mutineers demanded improved living conditions and the payment of allocations owed to them. From Diffa, it spread to garrisons farther east at N'Guigmi and N'Gourti. The government decreed a state of emergency in the region. It arrested some army officers who had been close to late president Ibrahima Bare Mainassare and who were suspected of supporting the mutineers. It said the mutiny had become a rebellion against the state. On Saturday, loyal troops regained control of Diffa. Then, on Wednesday, the government reported that they had regained control of the garrison at N'Guigmi, another 130 km farther east. The government has also asked the authorities in neighbouring Nigeria to send back about 100 mutineers who fled across the border, the BBC reported.