Niger coup: West Africa nations to assemble 'standby force'

The coup leaders have warned they will defend themselves against any intervention

Ecowas had issued a deadline of last Sunday to the Niger junta to restore the democratically-elected government, but it was ignored.

Instead, military leaders named a new ruling cabinet.

Both the US and France have military bases in Niger, which have been used as part of efforts to tackle jihadist groups in the wider Sahel region.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the the BBC earlier this week that he believes Russia’s Wagner mercenary group is “taking advantage” of the instability in Niger.