International Support Grows to Remove Coup Leaders in Niger

France supports efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to prevent the coup in Niger, as the deadline approaches for the military junta to step down or face potential military intervention. ECOWAS has given the coup leaders one week to release and reinstate the democratically elected president, and if they refuse, the group is prepared to take necessary measures, including the use of force. ECOWAS defense chiefs have organized a collective response and potential military action as a last resort. France's intervention may not be welcomed by all in Niger, and there are concerns that the return to military rule could have broader consequences for fragile democracies in the region and the fight against Islamist insurgencies in the Sahel.