<p><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/african-president-dies-mali-amadou-toumani-toure/" target="_blank"><strong><em>READ: Former Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure Has Died</em></strong></a><span></span></p><p>Tandja was elected into Niger's presidency in 1999 and ruled for over a decade until 2010. Tandja was commended for bringing stability to the country when Niger had considerable religious conflicts and was subsequently re-elected in 2004. According to <strong><em>The Washington Post</em></strong>, Tandja attempted to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/nigers-former-president-mamadou-tandja-dies-at-age-82/2020/11/24/b93dbc78-2e9f-11eb-9dd6-2d0179981719_story.html" target="_blank">amend the Nigerien constitution to secure a third term</a> after serving two successive presidential terms. A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/feb/19/niger-military-junta-coup" target="_blank">military coup ultimately removed Tandja</a> in February of 2010 following waves of national anti-government protests. Current President<strong> </strong><strong>Mahamadou Issoufou</strong> assumed office in April 2011, a year after Tandja's ousting.</p><p><div class="preroll-video"></div><ora-player></ora-player></p><p>The former president reportedly re-established ties with neighbouring East African countries like Nigeria. He also went on to chair the regional body <strong>East Community of Western African States (ECOWAS)</strong> during his presidency during the years 2005-2007. Additionally, Tandja maintained presidential ties with the international community and was credited for <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/nigers-former-president-mamadou-tandja-dies-at-82-0dabbf56-a577-5535-9f6f-707b35c875d3" target="_blank">Niger's economic resurgence through billions of dollars in aid from France</a>.</p><p>The former politician's death comes a month before Niger's presidential elections are set to take place on December 27th of this year. </p>
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