US Urges Niger Coup Leaders to Relinquish Power in Direct Diplomatic Appeal

The United States has been in direct contact with Niger's coup leaders, urging them to step aside and restore democratic rule under Niger's "constitutional order". The US has suspended aid to Niger, worth at least $100 million, until the restoration of the democratically elected government. The coup authorities have denounced the sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and shut down the country's airspace in anticipation of conflict. ECOWAS will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis, while Niger's ousted President Mohamed Bazoum remains defiant, calling for international support to restore constitutional order.