Niger: Secretary-General urges restraint ahead of referendum
Mr. Ban “reiterates his support for an inclusive process to resolve the current crisis peacefully and in conformity with the country's democratic values,” according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.
On Tuesday Niger is staging a referendum that could endorse a constitutional amendment on presidential term limits and allow incumbent Mamadou Tandja to run for a third consecutive term.
Mr. Ban said he was concerned that the referendum was taking place, “despite sharp differences among the country's political stakeholders,” and he urged all sides in the impoverished West African country to show restraint.
“The United Nations stands ready to support initiatives that would help resolve the current situation in a peaceful and sustainable manner,” he added.