Junta Identifies Chief After Niger Coup

The military junta that seized control of Niger on Thursday identified its leader Friday as Squadron chief Salou Djibo. The military took over the central African nation's government in a gun battle near the presidential palace Thursday, capturing President Mamadou Tandja and his ministers. Business was going on as usual Friday in the capital city of Niamey, according to Reuters, where the coup has given residents hope that their government could be put back on track. Niger is one of the world's leading producers of uranium. Last year, President Tandja dissolved parliament and disbanded the court.