Niger official calls MNJ actions terrorism

NIAMEY, Niger, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Niger President Mamadou Tandja described as terrorism actions by the rebel Niger Movement for Justice in the country's north.

During the opening of the local government legislative session Tuesday in Niamey, Tandja proclaimed the MNJ actions "terrorism aimed at instilling insecurity and fear among the population," the Panapress reported.

Tandja says the MNJ attacks in the north of the country over the last year, including alleged attacks against military targets, mining companies and civilians, is deliberate violence against the country.

"These criminal acts, which must be described as terrorism, are aimed at instilling insecurity and fear among the population," Tandja said in a statement.

Tandja is urging leaders not to let the situation divert the Niger people from development issues. Tandja is calling on regional governors and other heads of administrative posts to rally the population against the MNJ rebel actions.