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Niger reporter killed by landmine | Niger reporter killed by landmine |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The director of a private radio station in Niger has been killed in a landmine explosion in the capital, Niamey. | The director of a private radio station in Niger has been killed in a landmine explosion in the capital, Niamey. |
Abdou Mahaman ran over the device in his car. A woman travelling with him was seriously injured. | Abdou Mahaman ran over the device in his car. A woman travelling with him was seriously injured. |
He is the third civilian to die in explosions in the south since December, when the government accused Tuareg-led rebels of widening a northern revolt. | He is the third civilian to die in explosions in the south since December, when the government accused Tuareg-led rebels of widening a northern revolt. |
No-one has claimed responsibility for the explosion and it is unclear whether Mr Mahaman was deliberately targeted. | No-one has claimed responsibility for the explosion and it is unclear whether Mr Mahaman was deliberately targeted. |
The BBC's Idy Baraou in Niamey says the journalist was not known to be critical of either side. | The BBC's Idy Baraou in Niamey says the journalist was not known to be critical of either side. |
But he says the suburb of the capital where the explosion took place - Yantala - is home to top army officers, including the chief of staff. | But he says the suburb of the capital where the explosion took place - Yantala - is home to top army officers, including the chief of staff. |
An electricity plant supplying Niamey is also close by. | An electricity plant supplying Niamey is also close by. |
The attack is the first of its kind in the capital since the start of Tuareg-led rebellion last February. | |
Journalists banned | Journalists banned |
Forensic experts at the scene say a second landmine was buried at the side of the road, but did not explode. | Forensic experts at the scene say a second landmine was buried at the side of the road, but did not explode. |
Journalists are banned from visiting the north of the country to interview leaders of the Niger Justice Movement (MNJ). | Journalists are banned from visiting the north of the country to interview leaders of the Niger Justice Movement (MNJ). |
The rebels launched their uprising last year, demanding greater autonomy for the region, which is rich in uranium. | |
Two French journalists were arrested in December for ignoring the ban and charged with colluding with armed rebels. | Two French journalists were arrested in December for ignoring the ban and charged with colluding with armed rebels. |
Two local journalists have also been in jail for several months on similar charges | Two local journalists have also been in jail for several months on similar charges |
Nearly 50 government troops have been killed in attacks blamed on rebels. | Nearly 50 government troops have been killed in attacks blamed on rebels. |
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