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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 […]

Niger junta says it will prosecute ousted president for treason

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

Niamey. NigerReuters The military junta that seized power in Niger in a coup last month has said it will prosecute ousted President Mohamed Bazoum for high treason over his exchanges with foreign heads of state and international organisations. The United States, United Nations and West African leaders condemned the move, calling it a further sign […]

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 […]

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 […]

West African leaders plan possible Niger intervention as deadline looms

Thousands of anti-sanctions protestors gather in support of the putschist soldiers in the capital Niamey, Niger on 3rd August, 2023

Abuja, Nigeria/Niamey, Niger Reuters West African defence chiefs have drawn up a plan for military action if Niger’s coup is not overturned by Sunday, the regional bloc said on Friday, after mediation failed in a crisis that threatens regional security and has drawn in global powers. The Economic Community of West African States has given […]

Niger junta supporters protest sanctions as region considers intervention

Niger - Niamey - pro-coup protestors

Niamey, Niger/Abuja, NigeriaReuters Hundreds of supporters of Niger’s junta marched in the capital Niamey on Thursday to protest against West African sanctions, as regional defence chiefs discussed possible intervention to restore democracy. General Abdourahamane Tiani, the former head of Niger’s presidential guard, confined President Mohamed Bazoum to his residence last Wednesday and declared himself head […]

Niger junta says it will not back down despite “inhumane” sanctions

An aerial view of the streets in the capital Niamey, Niger on 28th July, 2023.

Niamey, Niger/Abuja, NigeriaReuters The self-declared new leader of Niger on Wednesday said the junta would not bow to pressure to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, intensifying a standoff with the West African bloc which has threatened to intervene after last week’s coup. The Economic Community of West African States has imposed sanctions on Niger and […]