The Latest Breaking News from Niger

The cancellation is due to sanctions imposed on Sunday by the West African ECOWAS bloc after last week’s coup in Niger.

France's foreign minister on Monday denied accusations from Niger's junta that Paris is plotting military action to support ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The deposed leader has been held by Niger’s military since Wednesday, while the head of the presidential guard, Abdourahamane Tiani, has declared himself the country’s new leader. Follow…

At an emergency meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, on 30 July, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) demanded the “immediate release and reinstatement” of Niger’s elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. He had been held by the military since 19 July.

Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, who was removed as prime minister of Niger when military officers seized power last week, told RFI and France24 that external forces are seeking to stir up opposition to France, after protesters outside the French embassy were seen waving Russian flags.

Thousands of supporters of the junta that seized power in Niger last week have taken to the streets to wave Russian flags and sing the name of Vladimir Putin.

The Kremlin’s comment comes days after Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin appeared to show support for the coup.

West African nations have given Niger’s coup leaders one week to reinstate the country’s democratically elected president and have threatened to use if the demands aren't met

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna rejects allegations, says it’s still ‘possible’ to restore president to power.

Mohamed Bazoum, pictured with president of Chad, believed to be being held at presidential residence

Niger's putschists on Monday accused former colonial ruler France of wanting to "intervene militarily" to reinstate the country's elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who was deposed in a military coup last week.

UK move comes as West Africa slaps sanctions on coup leaders