Niger Junta Appoints New Prime Minister Amidst Hosting Concerns

The Niger junta has informed the West African regional bloc ECOWAS that it cannot host a delegation due to security concerns stemming from widespread anger among the population following sanctions imposed by the bloc. The junta's decision to name a new prime minister indicates their intention to hold onto power, despite mounting international pressure. France has suspended aid to Burkina Faso, and West African countries and global powers are hoping for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis in Niger. Critics in Nigeria argue against military intervention, citing pressing internal problems. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizes diplomacy as the preferred way to resolve the crisis, while a US envoy's meeting with the coup leaders shows no progress.