"Niger's Media Ban Amidst Ongoing Pro-Coup Protests"

The military junta in Niger has announced the cancellation of security and defense cooperation agreements with France, which has around 1,000 to 1,500 troops stationed in the country to combat Islamist militants. The French general staff has stated that it does not recognize any authority other than the ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum. Counterterrorism operations led by French forces have been suspended since the coup. The junta has also blocked French international news broadcasters and faced protests denouncing France while expressing support for Russia. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has warned of possible intervention if the junta does not reinstate the democratically elected president by Sunday.