Niger Coup Leaders' Warning Sparks Emergency Meeting and International Concern

Niger's military leaders have warned against any military intervention in the country as West African heads of state gather for an emergency summit to decide on further actions to pressure the army to restore constitutional order. The military leaders accused ECOWAS of planning an imminent military intervention in collaboration with non-member African countries and certain Western countries. ECOWAS has the power to impose sanctions on Niger, and the threat of sanctions and a potential military force intervention has raised concerns for the new rulers in Niamey. Former colonial ruler France and the European Union have suspended security cooperation and financial aid to Niger following the coup. Thousands of protesters in Niamey also gathered outside the French embassy, expressing support for the coup and calling for regional bodies to stay out of Niger's affairs.