Niger opponent detained briefly amid crisis
* Opposition leader had called for disobedience
* EU threatens aid to Niger over crisis
* France voices unprecedented criticism
By Abdoulaye Massalatchi
NIAMEY, June 30 (Reuters) - Niger's main opposition leader Mahamadou Issoufou was detained briefly on Tuesday in a deepening crisis over the president's push to hold a referendum to extend his rule in the West African country.
The European Union warned President Mamadou Tandja his bid could threaten aid to Niger, one of the world's poorest countries. Former colonial ruler France, the leading investor in the uranium exporter, voiced unprecedented criticism.
Opposition leader Issoufou was taken after nightfall to the offices of the paramilitary gendarmerie in the capital, Niamey. He was released about two hours later to cheering crowds of supporters who had gathered outside.
"The solution is not to lock up the opposition. The solution is to return to legality," said teacher Fati Boubacar.
There was no official comment on the detention, but a security source said Issoufou was picked up following an opposition call on forces to disobey Tandja's orders. Niger suffered a series of coups before democracy returned in 1999.
Tandja's plan for a referendum on Aug. 4, in defiance of a court ruling that it would be illegal, has triggered street protests in Niger and prompted growing international concern over possible back-sliding on democracy.
* EU threatens aid to Niger over crisis
* France voices unprecedented criticism
By Abdoulaye Massalatchi
NIAMEY, June 30 (Reuters) - Niger's main opposition leader Mahamadou Issoufou was detained briefly on Tuesday in a deepening crisis over the president's push to hold a referendum to extend his rule in the West African country.
The European Union warned President Mamadou Tandja his bid could threaten aid to Niger, one of the world's poorest countries. Former colonial ruler France, the leading investor in the uranium exporter, voiced unprecedented criticism.
Opposition leader Issoufou was taken after nightfall to the offices of the paramilitary gendarmerie in the capital, Niamey. He was released about two hours later to cheering crowds of supporters who had gathered outside.
"The solution is not to lock up the opposition. The solution is to return to legality," said teacher Fati Boubacar.
There was no official comment on the detention, but a security source said Issoufou was picked up following an opposition call on forces to disobey Tandja's orders. Niger suffered a series of coups before democracy returned in 1999.
Tandja's plan for a referendum on Aug. 4, in defiance of a court ruling that it would be illegal, has triggered street protests in Niger and prompted growing international concern over possible back-sliding on democracy.
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