Paris Condemns Suspension of RFI and FRANCE 24 Broadcasts in Niger

A delegation from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS arrived in Niger for talks with coup leaders, as Nigerian President Bola Tinubu urged representatives to ensure a conclusive and amicable resolution of the situation. The junta in Niger warned of an immediate response to any aggression from West African countries, while also ending the mandates of ambassadors from the US, France, Nigeria, and Togo. Ousted President Mohamed Bazoum called for the restoration of his government, and the junta announced the scrapping of military pacts with France. The US has chartered a plane to evacuate non-essential personnel, and Senegal expressed willingness to participate in a potential ECOWAS military intervention. France condemned the suspension of French media broadcasts in Niger, and the UK temporarily reduced embassy staff in Niamey. President Joe Biden called for Bazoum's immediate release, and France asked the junta to guarantee the safety of its embassy. The military ruler of Niger warned against foreign meddling and urged the population to defend the country.