Throughout 1997 and 1998, Niger has been wracked by persistent civil and military unrest, while the economic situation shows little sign of improvement and the Tuareg situation has yet to be satisfactorily resolved. In April 1999, escalating disputes within the army leadership came to a head when Mainassara was asked to resign by other army chiefs. He apparently refused. The following day he was shot dead on the order of his own head of security. The political future of the country is highly uncertain, although the attitude of the army will be decisive.
Executive power is held by the president who is also directly elected for a five-year term.
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