Niger leader undermining rule of law: White House

By Doug Palmer

WASHINGTON (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.

Niger's main opposition leader, Mahamadou Issoufou, the runner-up to Tandja in elections in 1999 and 2004, was briefly detained on Tuesday after calling for the military to disobey orders.

Opposition calls for a general strike in Niger were largely ignored on Wednesday, with business continuing as normal in much of the uranium-exporting nation despite the intensifying row over the president's bid to extend his rule.

"We are encouraged that the African Union has sent a delegation to Niger to attempt to find resolution to this political crisis," Gibbs said.

"We will continue to consult with our partners in the region and monitor the situation in Niger closely."

The European Union warned Tandja on Tuesday that his bid to stay in power could threaten aid to Niger, a former French colony and one of the world's poorest countries.