27 August 2009
West African Bloc Criticises Niger Leader
Abuja, Nigeria
A regional bloc of West African countries has criticized the move by Niger's President Mamadou Tandja to prolong his term in office.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has termed Tandja’s plot to prolong his tenure a setback for democracy and good governance in the region.
In a communiqué released after an emergency meeting in Abuja, the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council warned that Niger's ties with the regional bloc could suffer unless the crisis is resolved.
Tanja, 71, was constitutionally expected to leave power in December but suspended government and declared emergency rule after legislators opposed his plan to seek a third term. [GR]