In which Niger's Pres overreached, and was firmly slapped down.

[the_future_modernes]

Niger court annuls constitutional referendum plan

Niger’s top court on Friday annulled President Mamadou Tandja’s plans to hold a constitutional referendum aimed at extending his rule in the uranium-producing West African country, saying it was illegal.

Tandja is due to step down when his second term in office ends later this year but had called for an August 4 referendum which could hand him another three years running the nation that soon hopes to become the world’s No. 2 uranium exporter.

"The constitutional court annuls the presidential decree of June 5 ... relating to a referendum on the constitution," the constitutional court said in a ruling.

The ruling, seen by Reuters, said Tandja’s decree calling the referendum violated several articles of Niger’s constitution.

The court had previously given an opinion on the president’s plans, saying they were unlawful, but Friday’s decision is legally binding.

There was no immediate reaction from the government to the court’s decision.

His plans have sparked protests that turned violent and drawn criticism from foreign donors and regional political bodies, which said they were a step backwards and threatened sanctions against Niger.

Opposition leaders had called for demonstrations this weekend against the planned referendum. Some of the president’s allies have also criticised Tandja’s bid. MORE