Niger’s new military ruler lashed out at neighbouring countries and the international community in a nationally televised speech Wednesday night, and he called on the population to be ready to defend the nation. In one of few addresses to the West African country since seizing power from Niger’s democratically elected president a week ago, Gen. Tchiani said that Niger is facing difficult times ahead and that the «hostile and radical» attitudes of those who oppose his rule provide no added value. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the bloc’s commissioner for political affairs, peace and stability, said the meeting in Abuja would deal with how to «negotiate with the officers in the hostage situation that we find ourselves in the Republic of Niger».
Keep reading
The sanctions announced by ECOWAS on Sunday included halting energy transactions with Niger, which gets up to 90% of its power from neighbouring Nigeria, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.
