However, the foreign ministry of France, who have been critical of the Niger president’s actions in the past, has said that Paris would be monitoring the situation when the parliamentary election for the country is held on 20 August.
Police in Niger have arrested a leading activist from the opposition. Marou Amadou had been detained because of comments he made criticising the referendum.
President Tandja's campaign to remain in control of Niger has sparked protests, however, he claims that the country needs him to stay in office because of various economic projects he had started and needs to complete.
