Free Republic

“These decisions undermine Niger’s efforts over the last ten years to advance good governance and the rule of law,” said Robert Gibbs in a statement Thursday. The “decisions” he was referring to have been made by Niger president Mamadou Tandja in an effort to extend his rule over that nation. When Niger’s high court ruled against Tandja’s attempt to rule for three more years, the president removed the entire court, then named an entirely new cabinet. “We are encouraged that the African Union has sent a delegation to Niger to attempt to find resolution to this political crisis,” Gibbs said...

WASHINGTON, July 1 (Reuters) - The U.S. government voiced concern on Wednesday over actions taken by Niger's President Mamadou Tandja to extend his rule in the West African country. "These decisions undermine Niger's efforts over the last ten years to advance good governance and the rule of law," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement. Tandja responded to the rejection by Niger's highest court of his plan to seek at least another three years in power by sacking the judges and naming a new Cabinet. ....U.S. concern about the situation in Niger comes at a time when Washington...