Niger tense over plans to ‘stabilise’ nation

ECOWAS leaders met in Abuja on August 10. Pic/AP

Tensions are escalating between Niger's new military regime and the West African regional bloc that ordered the deployment of troops to restore Niger's flailing democracy. The ECOWAS bloc said it had directed a "standby force" to restore constitutional order in Niger after its Sunday deadline to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum expired.

Hours earlier, two Western officials told The Associated Press that Niger's junta had told a top US diplomat they would kill Bazoum if neighboring countries attempted any military intervention to restore his rule.

It's unclear when or where the force will deploy and which countries from the 15-member bloc would contribute to it. Conflict experts say it would likely comprise some 5,000 troops led by Nigeria and could be ready in weeks.

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