Troops who seized power and captured Tandja on Thursday set up what they called the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy.

But junta leader Salou Djibo promised only that he would begin discussions soon with ministry officials on the country's priorities. "For the moment we are at a starting point, and we will create a consultative body," Djibo told a news conference.

The coup in the West African uranium-producing nation drew international condemnation.

In Addis Ababa, the African Union called for the people of Niger to be allowed to elect the leader they wanted. "Niger is suspended from all activities of the AU. Meanwhile we will continue with the process of helping them return to constitutional order," said Mull Sebujja Katende, who chairs the AU peace and security council.

But markets, banks and schools in Niger's capital opened as usual on Friday and the only soldiers on the streets were few and lightly armed, witnesses said.

The coup followed months of heightened tensions over Tandja's constitutional reform in 2009 that extended his rule and broadened his powers, and residents said the coup had provided some hope for change.