West African bloc prepares for military action as Niger coup deadline looms

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West African defence chiefs have drawn up a plan for military action if Niger’s coup is not overturned by Sunday, the regional bloc said, after mediation failed in a crisis that threatens regional security and has drawn in global powers. The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has given Niger’s coup leaders until Sunday to step down and reinstate the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. The bloc has taken a hard stance on last week’s takeover, the seventh coup in west and central Africa since 2020. Given its uranium and oil deposits and pivotal role in the war with Islamist...