CNN —France said it backs efforts by members of an African regional bloc to thwart the coup in Niger, as the clock ticks closer to a deadline for the new military junta to stand down or face possible military intervention.
“The future of Niger and the stability of the entire region are at stake,” the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
ECOWAS defense chiefs met in Nigeria this week to organize a collective response to the coup and plan a potential military response, which they say is a last resort.
“We are determined to stop it, but ECOWAS is not going to tell the coup plotters when and where we are going to strike.
“While this coup attempt is a tragedy for Nigeriens, its success would have devastating consequences far beyond our borders.”
Persons:
CNN —, Mohamed Bazoum, ”, Security Abdel, Fatau, “, ” Bazoum
Organizations:
CNN, French Foreign Ministry, Economic, West African States, Political Affairs, Peace, Security, Washington
Locations:
CNN — France, Niger, Nigeria, ”, Niamey, Niger’s, ” France, France, United States