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Niger junta says open to talks as Putin, US stress peace

Nigerien security forces prepare to disperse pro-junta demonstrators gathered outside the French embassy, in Niamey, the capital city of Niger on 30th July, 2023.

Reuters Niger’s junta on Tuesday said that it was open to talks to resolve a regional crisis caused by last month’s military coup, while Russia and the United States called for a peaceful resolution. Western powers and democratic African governments have called for the coup leaders to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who they have […]

West Africa in another bid to engage with Niger coup leaders

Niger's junta supporters take part in a demonstration in front of a French army base in Niamey, Niger, on 11th August, 2023.

Abuja, NIgeriaReuters West Africa’s ECOWAS bloc aims to send a parliamentary committee to Niger to meet coup leaders who seized power last month, a spokesperson said on Saturday, part of a last ditch regional effort to restore civilian rule that includes religious leaders.  Niger’s military last month imprisoned President Mohamed Bazoum and dissolved the elected […]

Niger coup supporters rally as regional force mulls intervention

Niger's junta supporters take part in a demonstration in front of a French army base in Niamey, Niger, on 11th August, 2023.

Niamey, Niger Reuters Thousands of people gathered in Niger’s capital on Friday to demonstrate in favour of last month’s coup as regional leaders were considering military intervention to restore civilian rule. Since the 26th July military ouster of elected President Mohamed Bazoum, many Nigeriens have joined junta-organised rallies to show support for the generals, criticise […]

West African bloc activates standby force for possible Niger intervention

General view as supporters of Niger's coup leaders take part in a rally at a stadium in Niamey, Niger, on 6th August, 2023

Abuja, NigeriaReuters The West African bloc ECOWAS on Thursday ordered the activation of a standby force for possible use against the junta that took power in Niger in July, saying it wanted a peaceful restoration of democracy but all options including force were on the table. The threat of an invasion, though not specific, will […]

Niger junta meets Nigeria envoys ahead of summit with regional leaders

General Abdourahmane Tiani, who was declared as the new head of state of Niger by leaders of a coup, arrives to meet with ministers in Niamey, Niger, on 28th July, 2023.

Niamey NigerReuters Niger’s military junta met with two Nigerian envoys on Wednesday, offering hope for dialogue before a summit with regional leaders that could result in military action to restore democracy. The talks took place as Niger accused France of violating its airspace, attacking a military camp and freeing “terrorists” to undermine the country. Paris […]

Niger hit with more sanctions as junta rebuffs latest diplomatic mission

Members of a military council that staged a coup in Niger attend a rally at a stadium in Niamey, Niger, on 6th August, 2023.

Niamey, NigerReuters Niger was slapped with more sanctions on Tuesday, hours after its new military leaders rejected the latest diplomatic mission aimed at restoring constitutional order following a 26th July coup. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu ordered the new sanctions through Nigeria’s central bank, aimed at squeezing those involved in the takeover, a presidential spokesperson said. […]

West African leaders to meet on Niger after junta defies deadline

Members of a military council that staged a coup in Niger attend a rally at a stadium in Niamey, Niger, on 6th August, 2023.

Niamey, NigerReuters West African leaders on Monday scheduled a summit for Thursday to discuss the Niger junta’s rejection of an ultimatum to reinstate the ousted president, spurring international hopes of a resolution without the use of force.  The Economic Community of West African States had told leaders of the 26th July coup to stand down […]

Niger’s citizens undaunted as deadline to reverse coup expires

Supporters of Niger's coup leaders take part in a rally at a stadium in Niamey, Niger, on 6th August, 2023.

Niamey, Niger Reuters Thousands of supporters of Niger’s coup leaders flocked to a stadium in the capital Niamey on Sunday, apparently undaunted by the threat of military intervention from West Africa’s regional bloc as its ultimatum to reinstate the President expires. On Niamey’s streets there were also sporadic displays of support for the junta, which […]

Food prices soar after sanctions on coup-hit Niger

A general view shows traffic on streets of Niamey, Niger, on 2nd August, 2023.

Niamey, NigerReuters Shoppers in Niger’s coup-hit capital Niamey face soaring prices for basic foods since the military takeover triggered trade sanctions from West African neighbours.  At one rain-drenched market, customer Ibou Kane said a sack of rice had gone up by more than a third to around 15,000 CFA francs ($US25) since the coup prompted […]