"Niger Crisis Escalates: France Evacuates as Coup Leaders Gain Neighboring Junta Support"

France plans to evacuate Niger after a military coup received support from neighboring countries ruled by mutinous soldiers. The West African regional body ECOWAS has imposed travel and economic sanctions against Niger, threatening to use force if the coup leaders do not reinstate the democratically elected president within one week. Mali and Burkina Faso, both under military rule, have denounced the sanctions and warned that any military intervention against Niger would be considered a declaration of war. Guinea, also under military rule, has expressed support for Niger's junta and criticized the proposed sanctions. The situation in Niger could escalate into violence between coup supporters and opponents, and the consequences for civilians would be catastrophic. The United States and France have sent troops and aid to Niger in recent years, but the US has warned that aid could be cut if the coup is successful. Niger relies heavily on foreign aid, and the sanctions could further impoverish its population.