The Latest Breaking News from ECOWAS

Niger coup leaders close airspace amid military threat from neighbours

The leaders of Niger’s coup have closed the country’s airspace until further notice amid fears of a military intervention from neighbouring countries.

Evening Standard · Aug 7, 2023

Niger's junta shuts airspace, accuses nations of plans to invade as regional deadline passes

Niger’s mutinous soldiers have closed the country’s airspace and accused foreign powers of preparing an attack, as the junta defied a deadline to restore the ousted president and said any attempt to fly over the country will be met with “an energetic and immediate response.”

The Independent UK · Aug 7, 2023

West African leaders to meet Thursday after Niger junta defies deadline

West African leaders will discuss Niger on Thursday after the junta that seized power there on July 26 defied a deadline to reinstate the ousted president or face the threat of military intervention, a spokesman for the ECOWAS regional bloc said on Monday. Read our blog to see how the…

France 24 · Aug 7, 2023

Niger coup leaders rally supporters as ECOWAS deadline passes

Pressure on Niger's coup leaders mounted Sunday with the approach of the one-week deadline set by the West African regional bloc ECOWAS for the military to relinquish control or face possible armed intervention. Calm appeared to reign in the capital Niamey despite the looming deadline. Read our blog to see…

France 24 · Aug 6, 2023

Defiance, fear in Niger as ECOWAS deadline looms

ECOWAS ultimatum for Niger coup leaders to restore deposed president or risk intervention is set to expire on Sunday.

Al Jazeera · Aug 6, 2023

Pressure mounts on Niger junta as deadline nears for military intervention

Pressure is mounting on the leaders of a coup in Niger before a deadline set by other West African leaders for the military to relinquish control or face possible armed intervention.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 5, 2023

Niger’s military rulers ask for help from Russian group Wagner

New military government seeks help from Wagner mercenaries against ECOWAS intervention, according to a report.

Al Jazeera · Aug 5, 2023

Time for Niger's coup leaders to give up on reckless 'adventure', says France

Speaking to RFI, French Foreign Minister Christine Colonna urged the leaders of a coup in Niger to abandon their takeover attempt before a deadline set by the West African bloc Ecowas expires on Sunday. She said the threat of regional military intervention should be taken "very seriously".

Radio France Internationale · Aug 5, 2023

Niger’s junta rulers ask for help from Russian group Wagner as it faces military intervention threat

An analyst says Niger’s new military junta has asked for help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner as the deadline nears for it to release the country’s ousted president or face possible military intervention by the West African regional bloc

The Independent UK · Aug 5, 2023

US partially suspends aid to Niger until democratic order is restored

The United States is suspending some of its aid programmes to Niger, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced, after the country's elected president was overthrown and a military council declared itself in charge.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 5, 2023