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Seyni KountchE[sAnE´ kOOnchA´] Pronunciation Key, 1931–87, president of Niger (1974–87). He was army chief of staff when he ousted Hamani Diori, Niger's first president, in a military coup. He suspended the constitution, dissolved parliament, and suppressed all political activities. In the early years of his rule, he was forced to cope with a catastrophic drought and famine. He died in office.
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