NIGER JUNTA AGREE TO DIALOGUE WITH ECOWAS

Niger’s military junta has agreed to open dialogue with the West African regional bloc ECOWAS.

This is the first time the coup leaders have signalled an open door for talks with the regional body.

The West African bloc had imposed sanctions on Niger and threatened to use force to reverse the coup.

An attempt last week to send a joint team of ECOWAS, UN, and African Union representatives to Niamey for talks was rejected by the coup leaders.

However, following a visit by a delegation of top Islamic clerics from Nigeria, the junta said it was now ready for talks with the West African bloc.

The Islamic leaders held talks with the junta leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani.