France says worried for Niger democracy in crisis

DAKAR, June 30 (Reuters) - France voiced concern for stability and democracy in Niger on Tuesday after President Mamadou Tandja dissolved the constitutional court, deepening a political crisis in the West African state.

Tandja, who was due to leave office when his second term ends later this year, plans a referendum on Aug. 4 on whether he should be able to lead Niger for at least another three years, despite the court's ruling that this was unconstitutional. The comments from Paris were among the strongest international criticism to date.

France, Niger's former colonial power, is a major investor in the uranium-producing country through its state-owned energy firm Areva CEPFi.PA, which is spending 1.2 billion euros ($1.7 billion) on what would be Africa's biggest uranium mine.

"We are worried by President Tandja's decision to dissolve the constitutional court, which is a negative sign for democracy in Niger and the stability of the country," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"France ... is following developments in the situation with the closest attention," the ministry said.

Tandja, who has been in power since 1999 and assumed the power to rule by decree on Friday, dissolved the constitutional court on Monday.

Regional body the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said it could punish Niger by imposing sanctions if Tandja's actions contravene democratic principles, while tens of thousands of people in Niger have take to the streets in protest against his plan.