[1/4] General Abdourahmane Tiani, who was declared as the new head of state of Niger by leaders of a coup, arrives to meet with ministers in Niamey, Niger July 28, 2023.
They said they were committed to finding solutions through diplomacy and negotiation, but did not give details.
Mali and Burkina Faso had previously vowed to come to Niger's defence if the regional bloc intervened, saying they would consider that a declaration of war against them.
ECOWAS has said that the use of force would be a last resort if the soldiers do not step down and free Bazoum.
The bloc's defence chiefs have agreed on a possible military action plan, which heads of state are expected to consider at their summit in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
Persons:
Abdourahmane Tiani, Balima, juntas, Antony Blinken, Mohamed Bazoum, Bazoum, Bola Tinubu, Nellie Peyton, William Maclean
Organizations:
REUTERS, United, United Nations, Economic, West African States, ECOWAS, . Security, Security, Niger, Thomson
Locations:
Niger, Niamey, NIAMEY, United Nations, Mali, Burkina Faso, Republic of Mali, Malian, States, Abuja