Niger's Coup Crisis: ECOWAS Prepares for Military Intervention

The defense chiefs of the West African regional group, ECOWAS, have finalized a plan for potential military intervention in Niger if the coup leaders fail to restore constitutional order. ECOWAS is also pursuing a diplomatic solution but has set a Sunday deadline as a last resort. A delegation from ECOWAS failed to secure the return to power of Niger's elected government, and the junta has rejected ECOWAS' demands and threats of force. The US has decided to halt some of its aid programs in Niger, and the European Union, Germany, and France have also suspended their financial assistance. Niger's ousted President Mohamed Bazoum has appealed for help in restoring constitutional order and warned of the expansion of military rule in the Sahel region.