UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon on Friday condemned the military coup that took place in Niger on Thursday and called for a peaceful solution to the country's political and constitutional crisis.

"He reiterates his disapproval of unconstitutional changes of government as well as attempts to remain in power through unconstitutional means," Ban's press office said in a statement.

A group of soldiers, self-claimed the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSRD), on Thursday launched a coup in the Nigerien capital Niamey, seizing the president, suspending the constitution and dissolving the government.

The CSRD described the coup as "successful" in putting an end to the political tension, and called for the international community to accept the move which "could turn Niger into an example of democracy and of good governance."

There had been political tension in Niger since President Mamadou Tandja dissolved the country's parliament and conducted a referendum to extend his two-term tenure.

The opposition condemned the Aug. 4, 2009 referendum that would allow Tandja, who was scheduled to step down in December 2009 after the expiration of two five-year terms, to stay in power till 2012.

Taking note of the statement by the CSRD that it intends to restore constitutional order in Niger, Ban called on the council " to proceed swiftly with these efforts through a process that is consensual and that includes all segments of Nigerien society."

The secretary-general appealed for "calm and for the respect of the rule of law and of human rights of all Nigeriens."

The world body stands ready to "support initiatives aimed at resolving Niger's political and constitutional crisis in a peaceful and sustainable manner," Ban said.

To this end, the United Nations is working closely with its partners, including the Economic Community of African States ( ECOWAS) and the African Union, to help resolve the crisis, he added.