Imposing economic and travel sanctions on the Niger milkitary coup leaders on Sunday, the West African nations have threatened to use force if country's President Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated within a week, reported Al Jazeera.
Despite requests from the Kremlin to release the nation's democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, protesters chanted support for Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and former president Mahamadou Issoufou and highlighted that US will continue to work to ensure full restoration of democratic rule in Niger.
Following the military coup that sparked international condemnation, Abdourahamane Tiani, a Niger general, declared himself as the country’s new leader, by appearing on national television, CNN reported on Friday.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday spoke to Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum and stressed that Washington's further cooperation with Niamey will depend on further democratic governance, rule of law and human rights.
According to the presidency and security officials, ministries close to the palace have also been blocked off, making it impossible for palace employees to enter their workplaces. However, there was calm in other areas of Niamey, the capital.
Abuja [Nigeria], February 18 (ANI/Sputnik): European forces, whose withdrawal from Mali was announced earlier yesterday, will be redeployed to regions of Niger along the border with Mali, Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum said.