Niger’s Minister of Interior and Security Alkache Alhada on Thursday said at least two people were killed and over 450 were arrested in violence that erupted in the country following the second round of presidential elections held earlier this week, reported CGTN Africa.
“The toll is two dead,” Interior Minister Alhada told reporters on Thursday.
One of the two deaths occurred as a result of an epileptic fit during a protest, while the other, who was shot dead, was the bodyguard of politician Seini Oumarou. The minister added that 468 arrests had been made including certain politicians whom he did not identify. He also confirmed the destruction of public and private infrastructure during the violence.
Alhada accused Hama Amadou, who is a prominent opposition figure, of being “the main person responsible” for the unrest.
“[Amadou] is being sought and as usual he is on the run, but we will find him,” the Niger minister said.
Violence broke out on Tuesday soon after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Mohamed Bazoum as the winner in Sunday’s second round of voting with 55.75 percent of the vote against Mahamane Ousmane with 44.25 percent of the vote.
In the first round of polls, held on December 27, Bazoum secured more than 39 percent of the vote. Ousmane came second, at just below 17 percent.
Ousmane, who was elected as the president of Niger in 1993, was toppled in a coup three years later. This year’s election was his fifth attempt at winning the presidential election since his overthrow.
Ousmane disputed the result and claimed he narrowly won with 50.3 percent of the vote. His supporters alleged widespread fraud in the recently held runoff election, including the theft and stuffing of ballot boxes and threats against voters.
Opposition supporters have protested violently in Niamey, Zinder, and Dosso, breaking down barricades, burning tires, and opposing law enforcement since the results were declared.
