20101017
RFI

The former number two of Niger's junta has been arrested along with one of his allies, according to sources in country, although there has been no official announcement of the arrests. Another military officer has been kicked out of the government.

Colonel Abdoulaye Badié, who was permanent secretary to President Salou Djibo, was arrested late on Friday, according to his family. Other sources have confirmed that he is being held in Niamey along with another senior officer, Colonel Abdou Sidikou.

Also on Friday Colonel Amadou Diallo was fired from his post of equipment minister, according to an official communique which gave no reasons for their removal.

Earlier in the day Djibo assured UN officials that the government remained in complete control of the country and that no one had been arrested.

Djibo led the coup that toppled then president Mamadou Tandja in February but has pledged to hand over to civilian rule next April after a presidential election in January.

A referendum on a constitution to prepare the hand over is due in two weeks time.

Badié's family claim that Djibo has accused the men of plotting against him, while presidential sources say that the arrests have prevented a plan to sabotage the transition.