In the southeast Asian nation, Myanmar, the rebels have seized control of a strategic border town following days of clashes with the Myanmar military. The vital town, bordering China's Yunnan province, is central to the flow of trade from Myanmar to China. Responding to the situation, Beijing urged all parties to immediately cease fire. A top ally and a major arms supplier of the Junta, Beijing has refused to label the 2021 power grab by military Junta as a coup. United Nations fears that thousands have been displaced by the fighting, with some fleeing across the border into China.

Intense clashes between Myanmar military and rebels

Niger's ousted president Mohamed Bazoum is being held in a secret location by the junta that seized power in the West African state. This is after Bazoum's attempt to escape, failed. At the same time, withdrawal of French troops from the nation is half-complete.

Niger: Bazoum's unlucky escape, French troops leave

<p>Niger military, which toppled the government and took over in July, said Thursday (Oct 19) that it thwarted an escape bid&nbsp;by deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.</p>

<p>Military spokesperson Amadou Abdramane reportedly said, “At around three in the morning, the ousted president Mohamed Bazoum and his family, his two cooks and two security elements, tried to escape from his place of detention.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per Niger’s military government, Bazoum allegedly plotted to flee to neighbouring Nigeria in a late-night escape attempt. He is being held in custody for nearly three months following his ouster in a coup.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-asks-congress-for-105-bln-security-package-includes-funds-for-ukraine-and-israel-649351">US President Joe Biden requests Congress for $105 bln security package, including funds for Ukraine and Israel</a></p>

<p>The security accomplices reportedly looked after the transport which was planned to take the president on the outskirts of Niger’s capital Niamey. From there, the president was supposed to be flown out in two helicopters which allegedly belonged to a "foreign power."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-guterres-visits-rafah-border-crossing-pushes-for-aid-to-move-into-gaza-649345">UN Chief Guterres visits Rafah border crossing, pushes for aid to move into Gaza</a></p>

<p>“The prompt reaction of the defence and security forces made it possible to thwart this plan to destabilise our country,” a junta spokesperson said. He added that “the main perpetrators and some of their accomplices have been arrested.”</p>

<p>It is not certain as to what is Bazoum's current location. After the military takeover, which has now been declared as a coup, the deposed Niger leader did not resign from his position.</p>

<p>He had been placed under house arrest since the day of the takeover on 27 July.</p>

<p>Bazoum in August reportedly informed CNN that he had been kept by the military in isolation. He also claimed that he is kept in dire circumstances without electricity and, is forced to eat dry rice and pasta.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-orthodox-church-hit-by-israeli-airstrike-649357">Israel-Palestine war: Orthodox church hit by Israeli Airstrike</a></strong></p>

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<p>Lawyers for Niger’s ousted president called for his immediate release and also rejected the claims of his escape bid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We strongly reject these fabricated accusations against president Bazoum," Mohamed Seydou Diagne, coordinator of a lawyers' collective, said in a statement.</p>

<p>The lawyers said that he is being held "incommunicado" and it is nothing but "a new red line which has been crossed by a junta which continues to violate the fundamental rights of our client". Ever since the coup, France has supported Bazoum and urged for his release.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>

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Niger military, which toppled the government and took over in July, said Thursday (Oct 19) that it thwarted an escape bid by deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. Military spokesperson Amadou Abdramane reportedly said, “At around three in the morning, the ousted president Mohamed Bazoum and his family, his two cooks and two security elements, tried to escape from his place of detention.

Niger military, which toppled the government and took over in July, said Thursday (Oct 19) that it thwarted an escape bid by deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. Military spokesperson Amadou Abdramane reportedly said, “At around three in the morning, the ousted president Mohamed Bazoum and his family, his two cooks and two security elements, tried to escape from his place of detention.” As per Niger’s military government, Bazoum allegedly plotted to flee to neighbouring Nigeria in a late-night escape attempt. He is being held in custody for nearly three months following his ouster in a coup. Also Read | US President Joe Biden requests Congress for $105 bln security package, including funds for Ukraine and Israel The security accomplices reportedly looked after the transport which was planned to take the president on the outskirts of Niger’s capital Niamey. From there, the president was supposed to be flown out in two helicopters which allegedly belonged to a "foreign power." Also Read | UN Chief Guterres visits Rafah border crossing, pushes for aid to move into Gaza “The prompt reaction of the defence and security forces made it possible to thwart this plan to destabilise our country,” a junta spokesperson said. He added that “the main perpetrators and some of their accomplices have been arrested.” It is not certain as to what is Bazoum's current location. After the military takeover, which has now been declared as a coup, the deposed Niger leader did not resign from his position. He had been placed under house arrest since the day of the takeover on 27 July. Bazoum in August reportedly informed CNN that he had been kept by the military in isolation. He also claimed that he is kept in dire circumstances without electricity and, is forced to eat dry rice and pasta. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Orthodox church hit by Israeli Airstrike × Lawyers for Niger’s ousted president called for his immediate release and also rejected the claims of his escape bid. "We strongly reject these fabricated accusations against president Bazoum," Mohamed Seydou Diagne, coordinator of a lawyers' collective, said in a statement. The lawyers said that he is being held "incommunicado" and it is nothing but "a new red line which has been crossed by a junta which continues to violate the fundamental rights of our client". Ever since the coup, France has supported Bazoum and urged for his release. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Niger military says late night escape bid of President Bazoum thwarted

<p>The Central Investigation Agency (CIA) has revealed new details about one of its most famous operations, and more. The spiriting out of six US diplomats who escaped from the US embassy in Tehran in 1979 has inspired a Hollywood movie as well. The film 'Argo' won &nbsp;Academy Award in 2012.</p>

<p>But CIA now officially describes the 1953 coup that it backed as undemocratic. The coup in Iran overthrew its prime minister and cemented the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.</p>

<p>The revelations, and admission, has come in CIA's podcast. The podcast, named 'The Langley Files' has till now released 15 episodes on the Android platform at least.</p>

<p>The “CIA’s leadership is committed to being as open with the public as possible,” the agency said in a statement, as quoted by The Associated Press. “The agency’s podcast is part of that effort — and we knew that if we wanted to tell this incredible story, it was important to be transparent about the historical context surrounding these events, and CIA’s role in it.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Blinken extends trip to visit Arab nations amid Israel-Hamas conflict</strong></p>

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<p>Iran's mission to the United Nations was less positive in its remarks. According to AP, the mission described 1953 coup as marking “the inception of relentless American meddling in Iran’s internal affairs”. It also dismissed the US acknowledgments.</p>

<p>“The US admission never translated into compensatory action or a genuine commitment to refrain from future interference, nor did it change its subversive policy towards the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the mission said in a statement, according to AP.</p>

<p>The podcast has devoted two episodes to the 'Argo' operation that involved escape of six American diplomats from an extremely hostile Iran.</p>

<p>In the 2012 film 'Argo', Ben Affleck played the late CIA officer Antonio “Tony” Mendez. &nbsp;The podcast for the first time identified the second CIA officer who accompanied Mendez, naming him as agency linguist and exfiltration specialist Ed Johnson. He previously only had been known publicly by the pseudonym “Julio.”</p>

<p>“Working with the six — these are rookies,” Johnson recounts in an interview aired by the podcast. “They were people who were not trained to lie to authorities. They weren’t trained to be clandestine, elusive.”</p>

<p>But in the podcast aired about a month before Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel last Saturday, another brief exchange focuses on the 1953 coup in Iran.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intelligence-warned-of-violence-by-hamas-in-weeks-ahead-of-oct-7-assault-report-646670">US intelligence warned of violence by Hamas in weeks ahead of Oct 7 assault: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>CIA spokesman and podcast host Walter Trosin cites claims of agency historians that majority of CIA's secret operations "bolstered" popularly elected governments.</p>

<p>“We should acknowledge, though, that this is, therefore, a really significant exception to that rule,” Trosin says of the 1953 coup.</p>

<p>CIA historian Brent Geary, appearing on the podcast, agrees.</p>

<p>“This is one of the exceptions to that,” Geary says.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Central Investigation Agency (CIA) has revealed new details about one of its most famous operations, and more. The spiriting out of six US diplomats who escaped from the US embassy in Tehran in 1979 has inspired a Hollywood movie as well.

The Central Investigation Agency (CIA) has revealed new details about one of its most famous operations, and more. The spiriting out of six US diplomats who escaped from the US embassy in Tehran in 1979 has inspired a Hollywood movie as well. The film 'Argo' won Academy Award in 2012. But CIA now officially describes the 1953 coup that it backed as undemocratic. The coup in Iran overthrew its prime minister and cemented the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The revelations, and admission, has come in CIA's podcast. The podcast, named 'The Langley Files' has till now released 15 episodes on the Android platform at least. The “CIA’s leadership is committed to being as open with the public as possible,” the agency said in a statement, as quoted by The Associated Press. “The agency’s podcast is part of that effort — and we knew that if we wanted to tell this incredible story, it was important to be transparent about the historical context surrounding these events, and CIA’s role in it.” Watch | Blinken extends trip to visit Arab nations amid Israel-Hamas conflict × Iran's mission to the United Nations was less positive in its remarks. According to AP, the mission described 1953 coup as marking “the inception of relentless American meddling in Iran’s internal affairs”. It also dismissed the US acknowledgments. “The US admission never translated into compensatory action or a genuine commitment to refrain from future interference, nor did it change its subversive policy towards the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the mission said in a statement, according to AP. The podcast has devoted two episodes to the 'Argo' operation that involved escape of six American diplomats from an extremely hostile Iran. In the 2012 film 'Argo', Ben Affleck played the late CIA officer Antonio “Tony” Mendez. The podcast for the first time identified the second CIA officer who accompanied Mendez, naming him as agency linguist and exfiltration specialist Ed Johnson. He previously only had been known publicly by the pseudonym “Julio.” “Working with the six — these are rookies,” Johnson recounts in an interview aired by the podcast. “They were people who were not trained to lie to authorities. They weren’t trained to be clandestine, elusive.” But in the podcast aired about a month before Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel last Saturday, another brief exchange focuses on the 1953 coup in Iran. Also Read | US intelligence warned of violence by Hamas in weeks ahead of Oct 7 assault: Report CIA spokesman and podcast host Walter Trosin cites claims of agency historians that majority of CIA's secret operations "bolstered" popularly elected governments. “We should acknowledge, though, that this is, therefore, a really significant exception to that rule,” Trosin says of the 1953 coup. CIA historian Brent Geary, appearing on the podcast, agrees. “This is one of the exceptions to that,” Geary says. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

While recounting ‘Argo’ rescue from Iran, CIA calls 1953 coup undemocratic

<p>The US State Department is getting ready to officially designate the military seizure of power in Niger as a coup d'etat in the coming week, according to three US officials quoted by media outlets. This decision could have significant repercussions for US cooperation with Niger, a vital counter-terrorism partner in the West African region. The US is planning to announce the suspension of certain forms of aid to Niger, as confirmed by an official and another individual familiar with the discussions, reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US military presence to continue</strong></h2>

<p>The US embassy in Niger will remain operational, and US military forces will maintain their legal presence in the country, the officials reportedly said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-offers-support-to-netanyahu-says-us-will-always-have-israels-back-643840">Biden offers support to Netanyahu, says 'US will always have Israel's back'</a></p>

<p>However, the Pentagon is evaluating how this change will affect the approximately 1,000 US troops stationed in Niger. It is reportedly possible that some of these troops will likely be transitioning to a more limited role in intelligence gathering.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/magnitude-62-earthquake-hits-western-afghanistan-aftershock-follows-643601">Afghanistan: Death toll from 6.3 magnitude earthquake jumps to over 1,000</a></p>

<p>US State Department spokesperson said, “As we continue our diplomatic engagements to preserve civilian rule in Niger, we are continuing to assess additional next steps but have nothing to preview at this time."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Selective assistance</strong></h2>

<p>The US administration may continue providing essential, life-saving assistance while suspending other forms of aid to the Nigerien government.&nbsp;Nigerien military leaders seized power by overthrowing the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, in July.</p>

<p>However, the US had refrained from formally labeling the event as a coup, as doing so would trigger restrictions on certain foreign aid to Niger, particularly security assistance funding.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explained-israel-palestine-and-a-history-of-conflict-643881">Explained: Israel-Palestine and a history of conflict</a></strong></p>

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<p>The US has been supporting Nigerien forces for a decade in their fight against terrorists in the Sahel region, operating from several bases within Niger. Since 2012, the US has provided over $350 million in military assistance equipment and training programs, making it one of the largest security assistance initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa,&nbsp;according to the US Embassy in Niamey.&nbsp;</p>

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The US State Department is getting ready to officially designate the military seizure of power in Niger as a coup d'etat in the coming week, according to three US officials quoted by media outlets.

The US State Department is getting ready to officially designate the military seizure of power in Niger as a coup d'etat in the coming week, according to three US officials quoted by media outlets. This decision could have significant repercussions for US cooperation with Niger, a vital counter-terrorism partner in the West African region. The US is planning to announce the suspension of certain forms of aid to Niger, as confirmed by an official and another individual familiar with the discussions, reports said. US military presence to continue The US embassy in Niger will remain operational, and US military forces will maintain their legal presence in the country, the officials reportedly said. Also Read | Biden offers support to Netanyahu, says 'US will always have Israel's back' However, the Pentagon is evaluating how this change will affect the approximately 1,000 US troops stationed in Niger. It is reportedly possible that some of these troops will likely be transitioning to a more limited role in intelligence gathering. Also Read | Afghanistan: Death toll from 6.3 magnitude earthquake jumps to over 1,000 US State Department spokesperson said, “As we continue our diplomatic engagements to preserve civilian rule in Niger, we are continuing to assess additional next steps but have nothing to preview at this time." Selective assistance The US administration may continue providing essential, life-saving assistance while suspending other forms of aid to the Nigerien government. Nigerien military leaders seized power by overthrowing the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, in July. However, the US had refrained from formally labeling the event as a coup, as doing so would trigger restrictions on certain foreign aid to Niger, particularly security assistance funding. Watch | Explained: Israel-Palestine and a history of conflict × The US has been supporting Nigerien forces for a decade in their fight against terrorists in the Sahel region, operating from several bases within Niger. Since 2012, the US has provided over $350 million in military assistance equipment and training programs, making it one of the largest security assistance initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the US Embassy in Niamey. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

US to officially label Niger military seizure as coup, troops presence may affect

Gabon's new president Oligui Nguema has now announced the arrest of former first lady Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin over charges of money laundering and taking advantage of her husband's health condition to manipulate him. Sylvia is co-accused with her son noureddin bongo of corruption. The new administration is tightening the noose on the previous regime. Is the long-revered bongo-dynasty crumbling?

Gabon military ruler cracks the whip

As hundreds of his followers protested in the capital on the first anniversary of the coup, the head of Burkina Faso's military junta announced on Friday that the elections they had promised would only take place if the security situation permitted. In Ouagadougou, supporters gathered at the Place de la Nation and waved Burkinabe flags. Some people carried placards bearing images of the youthful acting president, Captain Ibrahim Traore.

Extremist attacks on the rise in Burkina Faso, Burkina marks one year of coup

<p>France has pulled out its envoy and announced the end of its military presence in coup-hit Niger months after protests by people against French presence in the country.</p>

<p>Making the announcement on Sunday, President Emanuel Macron told a French news TV in an interview, “France has decided to withdraw its ambassador.”</p>

<p>&nbsp;“In the next hours our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France,” he added.</p>

<p>The French president further said that the military cooperation with the Niger was over and the troops would be withdrawn in “the months and weeks to come” with a full pullout by the end of the year.</p>

<p>“We will consult the putschists, because we want this to be done peacefully,” he added.</p>

<p>Currently, there are about 1,500 French troops in the Niger as part of an anti-jihadist deployment in the Sahel region.</p>

<p>Macron said that the junta “no longer wanted to fight against terrorism”.</p>

<h2><strong>France to pull out troops from Niger; French Ambassador to leave Niger</strong></h2>

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<h2><strong>Niger junta hails move</strong></h2>

<p>Hours after the statement, Niger’s junta said that the announcement signals a “new step towards the sovereignty” of the country. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“This Sunday, we celebrate a new step towards the sovereignty of Niger,” said the statement from the military rulers.</p>

<p>“This is a historic moment, which speaks to the determination and will of the Nigerien people,” the Niger statement added.</p>

<p>The military leaders ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26— a third such putsch in the region in as many years—citing persistent insecurity in the region.</p>

<p>Macron said that he still acknowledges Bazoum—currently in detention—as the&nbsp;"sole legitimate authority" and had informed him of his decision.</p>

<h2><strong>Anti-French sentiment at all-time high&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>"He was targeted by this coup d'etat because he was carrying out courageous reforms and because there was a largely ethnic settling of scores and a lot of political cowardice," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-group-of-karabakh-refugees-reaches-armenia-amid-mass-exodus-639190">First group of Karabakh refugees reaches Armenia amid mass exodus</a></p>

<p>The development stems from years of anti-French sentiment running in the country, with many local politicians accusing Paris of carrying out neo-colonialist policies - a charge denied by France.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-cancel-dozens-of-oci-cards-in-crackdown-on-khalistani-activities-report-639289">India to cancel dozens of OCI cards in crackdown on Khalistani activities</a></p>

<p>Moreover, there have been growing concerns about the role of Russia's Wagner mercenary group in toppling the civilian government.</p>

<p>The regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)&nbsp;has threatened military intervention in Niger to reinstate Bazoum, but it has not taken any action so far.</p>

<p>Niger is one of several former French colonies in West Africa where the military has recently seized control - it follows Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Chad.&nbsp;The latest coup was in Gabon&nbsp;in August.</p>

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France has pulled out its envoy and announced the end of its military presence in coup-hit Niger months after protests by people against French presence in the country.

France has pulled out its envoy and announced the end of its military presence in coup-hit Niger months after protests by people against French presence in the country. Making the announcement on Sunday, President Emanuel Macron told a French news TV in an interview, “France has decided to withdraw its ambassador.” “In the next hours our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France,” he added. The French president further said that the military cooperation with the Niger was over and the troops would be withdrawn in “the months and weeks to come” with a full pullout by the end of the year. “We will consult the putschists, because we want this to be done peacefully,” he added. Currently, there are about 1,500 French troops in the Niger as part of an anti-jihadist deployment in the Sahel region. Macron said that the junta “no longer wanted to fight against terrorism”. France to pull out troops from Niger; French Ambassador to leave Niger Niger junta hails move Hours after the statement, Niger’s junta said that the announcement signals a “new step towards the sovereignty” of the country. “This Sunday, we celebrate a new step towards the sovereignty of Niger,” said the statement from the military rulers. “This is a historic moment, which speaks to the determination and will of the Nigerien people,” the Niger statement added. The military leaders ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26— a third such putsch in the region in as many years—citing persistent insecurity in the region. Macron said that he still acknowledges Bazoum—currently in detention—as the "sole legitimate authority" and had informed him of his decision. Anti-French sentiment at all-time high "He was targeted by this coup d'etat because he was carrying out courageous reforms and because there was a largely ethnic settling of scores and a lot of political cowardice," he said. Also read | First group of Karabakh refugees reaches Armenia amid mass exodus The development stems from years of anti-French sentiment running in the country, with many local politicians accusing Paris of carrying out neo-colonialist policies - a charge denied by France. Also read | India to cancel dozens of OCI cards in crackdown on Khalistani activities Moreover, there have been growing concerns about the role of Russia's Wagner mercenary group in toppling the civilian government. The regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has threatened military intervention in Niger to reinstate Bazoum, but it has not taken any action so far. Niger is one of several former French colonies in West Africa where the military has recently seized control - it follows Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Chad. The latest coup was in Gabon in August. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

France recalls ambassador, announces withdrawal of troops from coup-hit Niger

The newly appointed prime minister of gabon, made an announcement that the gabon junta is plannig a two-year transition period before holding elections. The statement raised some questions, including if junta will survive or not?

Gabon Junta eyes 2-year transitional period

<p>The United States is shifting some of its troops from a base in Niamey, the capital city of Niger to another place in the Agadez area, said the Pentagon on Thursday. In Niger, the rebel officers came to power in a July coup.<br />
<br />
Washington's 1,100 military personnel are present in Niger. However, the Defence Department said that the officer was largely present on bases while curtailing activities like joint training after Niger's military takeover,<br />
<br />
The United States "is repositioning some of our personnel and some of our assets from Air Base 101 in Niamey to Air Base 201 in Agadez," said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, while speaking to journalists.<br />
<br />
"There's no immediate threat to US personnel or violence on the ground," she stated while describing the step as a "precautionary measure." A "small group" of personnel are still going to remain at Air Base 101 following the step which is ongoing currently, said Singh.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-france-begins-discussions-to-withdraw-certain-elements-of-army-632728">Niger: France begins discussions to withdraw 'certain elements' of army</a></p>

<p>She further stated that "some non-essential personnel and contractors" had departed previously from the country. Niger was the key base for both French and American anti-militant operations, and the repositioning of US troops comes after an official of the French defence ministry said that Niger and Paris have been holding talks on withdrawing "elements", which mark its presence, there.</p>

<h2><strong>Move not linked to&nbsp;French actions</strong></h2>

<p>For days, rallies were organised in Niger which appealed to the former colonial ruler of the country, France, to remove its forces. Meanwhile, earlier this week, military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said that "contacts" were underway to ensure a "very swift" departure for troops in Paris.<br />
<br />
However, Singh stated that there is "no tie" between "what the French military is doing right now” and the move of the United States. On July 26, Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum was dethroned by some members of his guard and later was detained by coup leaders, along with his family.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Why France is the big loser in Africa after coups in Gabon &amp; Niger?</strong></p>

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<p>Niger has been facing a hard reaction from the West African bloc ECOWAS after a number of coups in the region, and the latter has been threatening to use force for restoring civilian rule.<br />
<br />
Troops also took power in Burkina Faso and Mali, where similar to Niger, losses continued to surge in the armed forces amid the long-running militant insurgency.<br />
<br />
Speaking about past comments of the US, Singh said that they are hopeful that Niger will be able to find a negotiated solution to the situation. "We are hopeful that diplomatic talks will continue and that the situation in Niger will be resolved diplomatically," she stated.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United States is shifting some of its troops from a base in Niamey, the capital city of Niger to another place in the Agadez area, said the Pentagon on Thursday.

The United States is shifting some of its troops from a base in Niamey, the capital city of Niger to another place in the Agadez area, said the Pentagon on Thursday. In Niger, the rebel officers came to power in a July coup. Washington's 1,100 military personnel are present in Niger. However, the Defence Department said that the officer was largely present on bases while curtailing activities like joint training after Niger's military takeover, The United States "is repositioning some of our personnel and some of our assets from Air Base 101 in Niamey to Air Base 201 in Agadez," said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, while speaking to journalists. "There's no immediate threat to US personnel or violence on the ground," she stated while describing the step as a "precautionary measure." A "small group" of personnel are still going to remain at Air Base 101 following the step which is ongoing currently, said Singh. ALSO READ | Niger: France begins discussions to withdraw 'certain elements' of army She further stated that "some non-essential personnel and contractors" had departed previously from the country. Niger was the key base for both French and American anti-militant operations, and the repositioning of US troops comes after an official of the French defence ministry said that Niger and Paris have been holding talks on withdrawing "elements", which mark its presence, there. Move not linked to French actions For days, rallies were organised in Niger which appealed to the former colonial ruler of the country, France, to remove its forces. Meanwhile, earlier this week, military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said that "contacts" were underway to ensure a "very swift" departure for troops in Paris. However, Singh stated that there is "no tie" between "what the French military is doing right now” and the move of the United States. On July 26, Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum was dethroned by some members of his guard and later was detained by coup leaders, along with his family. WATCH | Why France is the big loser in Africa after coups in Gabon & Niger? Niger has been facing a hard reaction from the West African bloc ECOWAS after a number of coups in the region, and the latter has been threatening to use force for restoring civilian rule. Troops also took power in Burkina Faso and Mali, where similar to Niger, losses continued to surge in the armed forces amid the long-running militant insurgency. Speaking about past comments of the US, Singh said that they are hopeful that Niger will be able to find a negotiated solution to the situation. "We are hopeful that diplomatic talks will continue and that the situation in Niger will be resolved diplomatically," she stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US moves out troops, conducts 'precautionary' repositioning of forces in Niger

<p>France has begun talks with Niger's military about withdrawing "elements" of its army from the country following the military coup, reported AFP citing a defence ministry source.</p>

<p>There is wide speculation that France will be forced to withdraw completely from Niger. The July 26 military coup ousted French ally President Mohamed Bazoum.</p>

<p>Currently, about 1500 French troops are deployed in Niger as part of France's larger fight against jihadists in the Sahel region of Africa.</p>

<p>Niger had become a crucial hub for France after coups in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso. French troops were forced to withdraw from these countries.</p>

<p>"Discussions on the withdrawal of certain military elements have begun," the defence ministry source told AFP, asking not to be named. The source did not give details.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Relations between Niger and France, the country's former colonial power and traditional ally, went swiftly downhill after Paris stood by the elected Bazoum and declared the post-coup regime illegitimate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The coup leaders suspended several military cooperation agreements with France on August 3. This included one with a month-long notice period which expired on Sunday.</p>

<p>Niger's military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said Monday that "contacts" were underway about a "very swift" departure of Paris' troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Zeine has said that he hoped to "maintain cooperation if possible with a country with which we have shared many things."&nbsp;</p>

<p>A source close to Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu told AFP on Tuesday that talks were in progress about "easing the movement&nbsp;of French military resources" in Niger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The source reportedly noted that French forces had been "immobilised since anti-terrorist cooperation was suspended" following the military takeover.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The French forces are mostly concentrated at an airfield near the capital Niamey. The airfield has been targeted in recent days by thousands of protesters asking them to leave.</p>

<p>The coup in Niger has been seen as a fresh major blow to French influence in the region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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France has begun talks with Niger's military about withdrawing "elements" of its army from the country following the military coup, reported AFP citing a defence ministry source.

France has begun talks with Niger's military about withdrawing "elements" of its army from the country following the military coup, reported AFP citing a defence ministry source. There is wide speculation that France will be forced to withdraw completely from Niger. The July 26 military coup ousted French ally President Mohamed Bazoum. Currently, about 1500 French troops are deployed in Niger as part of France's larger fight against jihadists in the Sahel region of Africa. Niger had become a crucial hub for France after coups in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso. French troops were forced to withdraw from these countries. "Discussions on the withdrawal of certain military elements have begun," the defence ministry source told AFP, asking not to be named. The source did not give details. Relations between Niger and France, the country's former colonial power and traditional ally, went swiftly downhill after Paris stood by the elected Bazoum and declared the post-coup regime illegitimate. The coup leaders suspended several military cooperation agreements with France on August 3. This included one with a month-long notice period which expired on Sunday. Niger's military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said Monday that "contacts" were underway about a "very swift" departure of Paris' troops. However, Zeine has said that he hoped to "maintain cooperation if possible with a country with which we have shared many things." A source close to Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu told AFP on Tuesday that talks were in progress about "easing the movement of French military resources" in Niger. The source reportedly noted that French forces had been "immobilised since anti-terrorist cooperation was suspended" following the military takeover. The French forces are mostly concentrated at an airfield near the capital Niamey. The airfield has been targeted in recent days by thousands of protesters asking them to leave. The coup in Niger has been seen as a fresh major blow to French influence in the region. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Niger: France begins discussions to withdraw 'certain elements' of army

Military coups in the African region are spreading like wildfire, becoming a cause of serious concern for governments across countries. Political leaders are now springing into action, making significant changes to their defence structure, and preparing for the worst. Take a look at this story for more details.

Governments of African countries get proactive to avoid a military coup

<p>Niger's military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, while addressing a press conference in Niamey, on Monday (September 4) said that he is hoping to finalise a deal "in the coming days" with the West African bloc ECOWAS after the latter threatened to use force for restoring civilian rule in the country post-coup in July.<br />
<br />
He stated that "contacts" were underway for French forces' "very swift" pullout from Niger as the relations with France went downhill after the military takeover.<br />
<br />
"We have not stopped contacts with ECOWAS, we are continuing contacts. We have good hopes of reaching an agreement in the coming days," said Prime Minister Zeine, while addressing a press conference in Niamey.<br />
<br />
Hefty sanctions were slapped by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after the country's democratically-elected president Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by the rebel soldiers on July 26.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-bans-ngos-un-agencies-from-working-in-military-operation-zones-631031">Niger bans NGOs, UN agencies from working in military 'operation zones'</a></p>

<p>EOWAS has also several times warned that it will intervene militarily to reinstate Bazoum if the diplomatic attempts are not able to resolve the crisis.<br />
<br />
"We are bracing to be attacked at any time. Every preparation has been taken. It would be an unjust war. We are determined to defend ourselves if there is an attack," Zeine said while speaking to the reporters.</p>

<h2><strong>Spat with France</strong></h2>

<p>Without elaborating much on the withdrawal of the French forces, Prime Minister Zeine said that "contacts" were underway "that should enable a very swift withdrawal of French forces" from the country.<br />
<br />
However, he stated that Niger wished "to maintain co-operation with a country with which we have shared an enormous number of things." On August 3, the post-coup government renounced military accords with Paris, a step which has been ignored by France.<br />
<br />
Zeine stated that because of the renunciation, the French troops in Niger are now "in a position of illegality." As per military sources, one of the accords needed a notice period of one month.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Is Niger a victim of foreign exploitation?</strong></p>

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<p><br />
Meanwhile, the air space was reopened by Niger on Monday after a flight ban was imposed by the government on August 6 in response to the threat of the ECOWAS, said the official news agency ANP.<br />
<br />
During this time, some flights to Niamey were allowed with special authorisations.<br />
<br />
Speaking to AFP, Air France said that it will resume flights over Nigerien territory from Tuesday morning, even though the suspension will remain imposed on its air services to and from Niamey until further notice.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Niger's military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, while addressing a press conference in Niamey, on Monday (September 4) said that he is hoping to finalise a deal "in the coming days" with the West African bloc ECOWAS after the latter threatened to use force for restoring civilian rule in the country post-coup in July.

Niger's military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, while addressing a press conference in Niamey, on Monday (September 4) said that he is hoping to finalise a deal "in the coming days" with the West African bloc ECOWAS after the latter threatened to use force for restoring civilian rule in the country post-coup in July. He stated that "contacts" were underway for French forces' "very swift" pullout from Niger as the relations with France went downhill after the military takeover. "We have not stopped contacts with ECOWAS, we are continuing contacts. We have good hopes of reaching an agreement in the coming days," said Prime Minister Zeine, while addressing a press conference in Niamey. Hefty sanctions were slapped by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after the country's democratically-elected president Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by the rebel soldiers on July 26. ALSO READ | Niger bans NGOs, UN agencies from working in military 'operation zones' EOWAS has also several times warned that it will intervene militarily to reinstate Bazoum if the diplomatic attempts are not able to resolve the crisis. "We are bracing to be attacked at any time. Every preparation has been taken. It would be an unjust war. We are determined to defend ourselves if there is an attack," Zeine said while speaking to the reporters. Spat with France Without elaborating much on the withdrawal of the French forces, Prime Minister Zeine said that "contacts" were underway "that should enable a very swift withdrawal of French forces" from the country. However, he stated that Niger wished "to maintain co-operation with a country with which we have shared an enormous number of things." On August 3, the post-coup government renounced military accords with Paris, a step which has been ignored by France. Zeine stated that because of the renunciation, the French troops in Niger are now "in a position of illegality." As per military sources, one of the accords needed a notice period of one month. WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Is Niger a victim of foreign exploitation? Meanwhile, the air space was reopened by Niger on Monday after a flight ban was imposed by the government on August 6 in response to the threat of the ECOWAS, said the official news agency ANP. During this time, some flights to Niamey were allowed with special authorisations. Speaking to AFP, Air France said that it will resume flights over Nigerien territory from Tuesday morning, even though the suspension will remain imposed on its air services to and from Niamey until further notice. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Niger PM Zeine expresses hope for 'agreement' with ECOWAS

<p>Guatemala's president-elect Bernardo Arevalo criticised an "ongoing coup" by the institutions of the country on Friday (September 1), which he claimed is aimed at stopping him from taking power after the suspension of his political party.</p>

<p>The 64-year-old president-elect, who is a sociologist, clinched victory in the August 20 election with his promise to crack down on corruption which, as per observers, has left the corrupt elite alarmed.</p>

<p>After ending a campaign filled with concerns of meddling, Arevalo was announced as the winner of the election with 58 per cent of votes on Monday, however, his Semilla (Seed) Movement was suspended by the electoral tribunal.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guatemala-dark-horse-bernardo-arevalo-tastes-victory-in-presidential-election-627440">Guatemala: Dark horse Bernardo Arevalo tastes victory in presidential election</a></p>

<p>"There is a group of corrupt politicians and officials who refuse to accept this result and have launched a plan to break the constitutional order and violate democracy," said Arevalo, at a press conference.</p>

<p>"These actions constitute a coup d'etat that is promoted by the institutions that should guarantee justice in our country,” he added.</p>

<p>Arevalo advanced to the runoff after the first round of elections and saw people, who were tired of the poverty, violence, and corruption, cast their votes.</p>

<h2><strong>Electoral tribunal suspends Semilla</strong></h2>

<p>After the first round of voting took place on June 25, Guatemalan judge Fredy Orellana accepted prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche's request and asked the electoral tribunal to suspend Semilla on the basis of a pending investigation on the alleged anomalies in the party's registration.</p>

<p>Curruchiche and Orellana are present on the list of "corrupt actors" of the US and their meddling in the elections was slammed by foreign allies. The court at the time said that the election tribunal cannot suspend a party in the middle of an election campaign.</p>

<p>However, the suspension was confirmed after the voting was over. "We are seeing an ongoing coup, in which the justice apparatus is used to violate justice itself, mocking the popular will freely expressed at the polls," Arevalo said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Arevalo wins Guatemala presidency, scored 59% of the vote</strong></p>

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<p>After the suspension, the party is not allowed to collect money or issue statements. "They are weakening and denying the resources, authority and legitimacy that the people of Guatemala have legally conferred upon us," Arevalo stated.</p>

<p>Head of the electoral mission to Guatemala for the Organisation of American States (OAS) Eladio Loizaga issued a warning regarding a possible "break in the constitutional order in Guatemala."</p>

<p>Addressing an extraordinary meeting in Washington on Guatemala, Loaiza stated that the mission "considers that the abuse of legal instruments ... continues to cause a high degree of uncertainty in the process and puts the country's democratic stability at risk."</p>

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Guatemala's president-elect Bernardo Arevalo criticised an "ongoing coup" by the institutions of the country on Friday (September 1), which he claimed is aimed at stopping him from taking power after the suspension of his political party.

Guatemala's president-elect Bernardo Arevalo criticised an "ongoing coup" by the institutions of the country on Friday (September 1), which he claimed is aimed at stopping him from taking power after the suspension of his political party. The 64-year-old president-elect, who is a sociologist, clinched victory in the August 20 election with his promise to crack down on corruption which, as per observers, has left the corrupt elite alarmed. After ending a campaign filled with concerns of meddling, Arevalo was announced as the winner of the election with 58 per cent of votes on Monday, however, his Semilla (Seed) Movement was suspended by the electoral tribunal. ALSO READ | Guatemala: Dark horse Bernardo Arevalo tastes victory in presidential election "There is a group of corrupt politicians and officials who refuse to accept this result and have launched a plan to break the constitutional order and violate democracy," said Arevalo, at a press conference. "These actions constitute a coup d'etat that is promoted by the institutions that should guarantee justice in our country,” he added. Arevalo advanced to the runoff after the first round of elections and saw people, who were tired of the poverty, violence, and corruption, cast their votes. Electoral tribunal suspends Semilla After the first round of voting took place on June 25, Guatemalan judge Fredy Orellana accepted prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche's request and asked the electoral tribunal to suspend Semilla on the basis of a pending investigation on the alleged anomalies in the party's registration. Curruchiche and Orellana are present on the list of "corrupt actors" of the US and their meddling in the elections was slammed by foreign allies. The court at the time said that the election tribunal cannot suspend a party in the middle of an election campaign. However, the suspension was confirmed after the voting was over. "We are seeing an ongoing coup, in which the justice apparatus is used to violate justice itself, mocking the popular will freely expressed at the polls," Arevalo said. WATCH | Arevalo wins Guatemala presidency, scored 59% of the vote After the suspension, the party is not allowed to collect money or issue statements. "They are weakening and denying the resources, authority and legitimacy that the people of Guatemala have legally conferred upon us," Arevalo stated. Head of the electoral mission to Guatemala for the Organisation of American States (OAS) Eladio Loizaga issued a warning regarding a possible "break in the constitutional order in Guatemala." Addressing an extraordinary meeting in Washington on Guatemala, Loaiza stated that the mission "considers that the abuse of legal instruments ... continues to cause a high degree of uncertainty in the process and puts the country's democratic stability at risk." You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Guatemala's president-elect alleges 'coup' plot to block him from taking power

The military officers in Gabon have seized power.After Niger, the Central African nation of Gabon witnessed a military takeover. Gabon's military officers have put President Ali Bongo under house arrest.

Why are Gabon’s coup leaders getting popular support from the general public?

<p>The coup leaders in Gabon on Wednesday (August 30) announced the name of a general transitional president after it came to power following disputed elections in which they declared President Ali Bongo Ondimba as the winner. The family of President Ondimba has ruled the country for 55 years.<br />
<br />
The coup was condemned by the African Union (AU) and Nigeria was alarmed over "contagious autocracy" in a continent where power has been seized by the military in five other countries since 2020.<br />
<br />
Bongo, aged 64, who took over the seat of power from his father Omar in 2009, was kept under house arrest and one of his sons was arrested for treason, said the coup leaders. The group of coup leaders, in a dramatic pre-dawn address, declared "all the institutions of the republic" had been dissolved, the borders closed and the election results cancelled.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-after-niger-this-is-why-coup-in-gabon-is-receiving-public-support-630612">Explained | After Niger, this is why coup in Gabon is receiving public support</a></p>

<p>"Today, the country is going through a serious institutional, political, economic and social crisis," as per the statement broadcast on state TV. The elections "did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible and inclusive ballot so much hoped for by the people of Gabon", the statement added.<br />
<br />
"Added to this is irresponsible and unpredictable governance, resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion, with the risk of leading the country in chaos. We -- the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) on behalf of the people of Gabon and as guarantors of the institutions' protection -- have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime," it further stated.</p>

<h2><strong>Putschists arrest leaders</strong></h2>

<p>In the TV images, the head of the Republican Guard General Brice Oligui Nguema was seen being carried in triumph by many soldiers amid cries of "Oligui president".<br />
<br />
Oligui Nguema was later named as "transitional president” by the coup leaders, as per a TV statement. Bongo's son and close adviser Noureddin Bongo Valentin, his chief of staff Ian Ghislain Ngoulou and his deputy, two other presidential advisers and the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party's (PDG) two top officials "have been arrested", said a military leader.<br />
<br />
The leaders have been accused of falsifying the president's signature, corruption, treason, and embezzlement, he stated.</p>

<h2><strong>Nightly curfew 'until further notice'</strong></h2>

<p>The military leaders of Gabon on Wednesday said that they have imposed a nightly curfew and the takeover by the army will remain in place until further notice.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Coup drama in Gabon following elections</strong></p>

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<p>"As of tomorrow (Thursday), Gabonese people will once again be able to freely go about their business between 6 am and 6 pm (0500 GMT to 1700 GMT). The traffic restriction remains in force<br />
from 6 pm to 6 am until further notice," stated a senior officer on local TV.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the broadcasts of several French media outlets, which were suspended amid the ongoing coup, were resumed on Wednesday, according to a televised statement. The "temporary broadcast ban" was imposed exclusively on French-speaking media - France 24, RFI and TV5 Monde, which were "accused of a lack of objectivity and balance... in connection with the current general elections".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The coup leaders in Gabon on Wednesday (August 30) announced the name of a general transitional president after it came to power following disputed elections in which they declared President Ali Bongo Ondimba as the winner.

The coup leaders in Gabon on Wednesday (August 30) announced the name of a general transitional president after it came to power following disputed elections in which they declared President Ali Bongo Ondimba as the winner. The family of President Ondimba has ruled the country for 55 years. The coup was condemned by the African Union (AU) and Nigeria was alarmed over "contagious autocracy" in a continent where power has been seized by the military in five other countries since 2020. Bongo, aged 64, who took over the seat of power from his father Omar in 2009, was kept under house arrest and one of his sons was arrested for treason, said the coup leaders. The group of coup leaders, in a dramatic pre-dawn address, declared "all the institutions of the republic" had been dissolved, the borders closed and the election results cancelled. ALSO READ | Explained | After Niger, this is why coup in Gabon is receiving public support "Today, the country is going through a serious institutional, political, economic and social crisis," as per the statement broadcast on state TV. The elections "did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible and inclusive ballot so much hoped for by the people of Gabon", the statement added. "Added to this is irresponsible and unpredictable governance, resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion, with the risk of leading the country in chaos. We -- the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) on behalf of the people of Gabon and as guarantors of the institutions' protection -- have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime," it further stated. Putschists arrest leaders In the TV images, the head of the Republican Guard General Brice Oligui Nguema was seen being carried in triumph by many soldiers amid cries of "Oligui president". Oligui Nguema was later named as "transitional president” by the coup leaders, as per a TV statement. Bongo's son and close adviser Noureddin Bongo Valentin, his chief of staff Ian Ghislain Ngoulou and his deputy, two other presidential advisers and the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party's (PDG) two top officials "have been arrested", said a military leader. The leaders have been accused of falsifying the president's signature, corruption, treason, and embezzlement, he stated. Nightly curfew 'until further notice' The military leaders of Gabon on Wednesday said that they have imposed a nightly curfew and the takeover by the army will remain in place until further notice. WATCH | Coup drama in Gabon following elections "As of tomorrow (Thursday), Gabonese people will once again be able to freely go about their business between 6 am and 6 pm (0500 GMT to 1700 GMT). The traffic restriction remains in force from 6 pm to 6 am until further notice," stated a senior officer on local TV. Meanwhile, the broadcasts of several French media outlets, which were suspended amid the ongoing coup, were resumed on Wednesday, according to a televised statement. The "temporary broadcast ban" was imposed exclusively on French-speaking media - France 24, RFI and TV5 Monde, which were "accused of a lack of objectivity and balance... in connection with the current general elections". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Coup leaders announce general transitional president in Gabon

Nearly a dozen soldiers took to state television and said they were overturning the presidential election and called for calm among the population. Gabon’s government had announced a nationwide curfew and cut off internet access Saturday evening as voting in major national elections for new local leaders, national legislators and Gabon’s next president was wrapping up.

Coup drama in Gabon following elections

The military in Niger deposed the nation's democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, exactly one month ago. Following Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, Niger had its fourth military coup in West Africa since 2020 on Wednesday, July 26.

Niger's military Junta supporters celebrate coup's one month

Niger: Citizens gather to celebrate one month of Junta rule

<p>The junta in Niger has ordered its armed forces to go on highest alert, citing an increased threat of attack, according to an internal document issued by its defence chief on Friday that a security source in the country confirmed was authentic.</p>

<p>The document, which was shared widely online on Saturday, said the order to be on maximum alert would allow forces to respond adequately in case of any attack and "avoid a general surprise".</p>

<p>"Threats of aggression to the national territory are increasingly being felt," it said.</p>

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<p>The main West African bloc ECOWAS has been trying to negotiate with the leaders of the July 26 coup, but has said it is ready to deploy troops to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail.</p>

<p>On Friday, the bloc downplayed this threat and said it was "determined to bend backwards to accommodate diplomatic efforts," although an intervention remained one of the options the table.</p>

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<p>"For the avoidance of doubt, let me state unequivocally that ECOWAS has neither declared war on the people of Niger, nor is there a plan, as it is being purported, to invade the country, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray told reporters.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ex-French president faces corruption charges</strong></p>

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<p>The bloc's decision earlier in August to activate a so-called standby force for a possible intervention has raised fears of an escalation that could further destabilise the insurgency-torn Sahel region.</p>

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The junta in Niger has ordered its armed forces to go on highest alert, citing an increased threat of attack, according to an internal document issued by its defence chief on Friday that a security source in the country confirmed was authentic.

The junta in Niger has ordered its armed forces to go on highest alert, citing an increased threat of attack, according to an internal document issued by its defence chief on Friday that a security source in the country confirmed was authentic. The document, which was shared widely online on Saturday, said the order to be on maximum alert would allow forces to respond adequately in case of any attack and "avoid a general surprise". "Threats of aggression to the national territory are increasingly being felt," it said. Also Read | With massive compensation for flyers, Saudi Arabia brings new aviation rules to combat flight disruptions The main West African bloc ECOWAS has been trying to negotiate with the leaders of the July 26 coup, but has said it is ready to deploy troops to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail. On Friday, the bloc downplayed this threat and said it was "determined to bend backwards to accommodate diplomatic efforts," although an intervention remained one of the options the table. Also Read | Second aircraft linked to Prigozhin had no connection to Wagner: Report "For the avoidance of doubt, let me state unequivocally that ECOWAS has neither declared war on the people of Niger, nor is there a plan, as it is being purported, to invade the country, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray told reporters. Watch | Ex-French president faces corruption charges × The bloc's decision earlier in August to activate a so-called standby force for a possible intervention has raised fears of an escalation that could further destabilise the insurgency-torn Sahel region. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Niger junta orders troops to be on 'maximum alert' amid high threat of attack

<p>Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who reached the country after spending 15 years in self-imposed exile following the 2006 coup, was arrested upon arrival and the court jailed him for eight years, AFP reported.&nbsp;Thaksin, known for his success in the telecommunications industry, arrived in Thailand via a private plane from Singapore. The plane landed at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport at around 9 am local time on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thailand has now been under a political impasse for the past three months post the May elections. Thailand's bicameral legislature&nbsp;is set to vote Tuesday to determine if the candidate from Shinawatra's&nbsp;Pheu Thai party, Srettha Thavisin, will be the next prime minister to lead the politically-divided country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sister of Thailand's former PM, Yingluck Shinawatra, who is also a former prime minister, shared a video on TikTok showing Thaksin leaving Singapore. As news of his arrival spread, supporters, all clad in red attire, celebrated his return with cheers, dancing, and singing.</p>

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<h2><strong>Political background and exile</strong></h2>

<p>Thaksin Shinawatra gained power in 2001. He was re-elected by securing a landslide victory in the following election five years later. However, in September 2006, while Thaksin was in New York preparing to address the United Nations, a military coup took control of the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Subsequently, Thaksin faced legal repercussions, including a conviction for abuse of power. This led to his decision to go into self-exile, with Dubai as his primary residence.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-threatens-thermonuclear-war-over-camp-david-summit-and-us-south-korea-drills-627702">North Korea threatens 'thermonuclear war' over Camp David summit and US-South Korea drills</a></p>

<p>With the then-PM gone, Thailand plunged into a state of political instability, with both pro-Thaksin and rival pro-establishment groups engaging in street protests.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Beijing's fruit diplomacy turns sour as China bans imports of Taiwanese mangoes</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Thailand's current political impasse&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In the most recent elections held in May, Thaksin's Pheu Thai party secured the second position. The progressive Move Forward party initially struggled to form a government due to the lack of support from military-appointed senators in the upper house. Subsequently, Pheu Thai managed to create a coalition comprising various parties, some with former military rivals.</p>

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Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who reached the country after spending 15 years in self-imposed exile following the 2006 coup, was arrested upon arrival and the court jailed him for eight years, AFP reported.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who reached the country after spending 15 years in self-imposed exile following the 2006 coup, was arrested upon arrival and the court jailed him for eight years, AFP reported. Thaksin, known for his success in the telecommunications industry, arrived in Thailand via a private plane from Singapore. The plane landed at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport at around 9 am local time on Tuesday. Thailand has now been under a political impasse for the past three months post the May elections. Thailand's bicameral legislature is set to vote Tuesday to determine if the candidate from Shinawatra's Pheu Thai party, Srettha Thavisin, will be the next prime minister to lead the politically-divided country. The sister of Thailand's former PM, Yingluck Shinawatra, who is also a former prime minister, shared a video on TikTok showing Thaksin leaving Singapore. As news of his arrival spread, supporters, all clad in red attire, celebrated his return with cheers, dancing, and singing. Also Read | Russian Air Defence intercepts and downs two 'attack drones' near Moscow Political background and exile Thaksin Shinawatra gained power in 2001. He was re-elected by securing a landslide victory in the following election five years later. However, in September 2006, while Thaksin was in New York preparing to address the United Nations, a military coup took control of the government. Subsequently, Thaksin faced legal repercussions, including a conviction for abuse of power. This led to his decision to go into self-exile, with Dubai as his primary residence. Also Read | North Korea threatens 'thermonuclear war' over Camp David summit and US-South Korea drills With the then-PM gone, Thailand plunged into a state of political instability, with both pro-Thaksin and rival pro-establishment groups engaging in street protests. Watch | Beijing's fruit diplomacy turns sour as China bans imports of Taiwanese mangoes × Thailand's current political impasse In the most recent elections held in May, Thaksin's Pheu Thai party secured the second position. The progressive Move Forward party initially struggled to form a government due to the lack of support from military-appointed senators in the upper house. Subsequently, Pheu Thai managed to create a coalition comprising various parties, some with former military rivals. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Fugitive ex-Thai PM, who arrived in Thailand after 15-year self-exile, jailed for 8 years

As a last attempt to move forward with diplomacy talks, sources close to the ousted Niger president Mohammed Bazoum have said that a delegation from ECOWAS has arrived in Niger.

Niger: ECOWAS delegates' last attempt to hold talks with Junta leaders

<p>West African military chiefs said on Friday they were ready for an armed intervention in Niger after a coup ousted President Mohamed Bazoum last month, but a diplomatic mission was possible over the weekend to keep talks open.</p>

<p>The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has agreed to activate a "standby force" as a last resort to restore democracy in Niger after generals toppled and detained Bazoum on July 26.</p>

<p>ECOWAS defence chiefs met this week in the Ghanaian capital Accra to fine-tune details of a potential military operation to restore Bazoum if ongoing negotiations with coup leaders fail.</p>

<p>"We are ready to go any time the order is given," said Abdel-Fatau Musah, an ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs and security.</p>

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<p>"The D-Day is also decided."</p>

<p>But the leaders also say they still favour dialogue and that ECOWAS could send a diplomatic mission to Niger on Saturday.</p>

<p>"Tomorrow there is the possibility of an ECOWAS mission going into Niger to continue to pursue the peaceful path to restoration of constitutional order," he said.</p>

<p>"We are ready to resolve the issue peacefully but it takes two to tango."</p>

<p>ECOWAS leaders say they have to act after Niger became the fourth West African nation since 2020 to suffer a coup, following Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea.</p>

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<p>The Sahel region is struggling with growing jihadist insurgencies linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. Frustration over the violence has in part prompted the military takeovers.</p>

<p>ECOWAS troops have intervened in other emergencies since 1990, including civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ivory Coast, Benin and Nigeria are expected to contribute troops to a Niger mission.</p>

<h2><strong>'Grave consequences'</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Bazoum, whose 2021 election was a landmark in Niger's troubled history, has been held with his family at the president's official residence since the coup, with growing international concern over his conditions in detention.</p>

<p>ECOWAS chair and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Friday threatened Niamey with "grave consequences" if the new regime allows Bazoum's health to worsen under house arrest, an EU official said.</p>

<p>During a call to EU chief Charles Michel, Tinubu noted: "President Bazoum's detention conditions are deteriorating."</p>

<p>"Any further deterioration to his well-being status will have grave consequences."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Has China's growth story hit a roadblock?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Michel had renewed the European Union's "full support and backing of ECOWAS' decisions, as well as firm condemnation of the unacceptable coup de force in Niger".</p>

<p>Niger's military-appointed prime minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, told The New York Times that the coup leaders would do Bazoum no harm.</p>

<p>"Nothing will happen to him, because we don't have a tradition of violence in Niger," the most senior civilian in the new regime told the newspaper in an interview from Dakar.</p>

<h2><strong>Militarily risky</strong></h2>

<p>Details of the Niger operation have not been released and analysts say any intervention would be politically and militarily risky, especially for regional player Nigeria.</p>

<p>Nigeria is already struggling to contain violence from several armed groups at home, and leaders in the country's north have warned about spillover from Niger across the border if there is an intervention.</p>

<p>Niger's coup leaders have warned against any military strikes and defiantly threatened to charge Bazoum with treason. But they have also said they are open to talks.</p>

<p>The military-ruled governments in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso have also said an intervention in Niger would be seen as a declaration of war against them.</p>

<p>ECOWAS has already applied trade and financial sanctions on Niger while France, Germany and the United States have suspended aid programmes.</p>

<p>Germany's foreign ministry has also said it wants the EU to impose sanctions on the coup leaders, saying that Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had held talks with her French and US counterparts.</p>

<p>UN rights chief Volker Turk slammed the generals who seized power on "a whim", plunging Niger further into misery and stranding thousands of migrants.</p>

<p>"The very notion of freedoms in Niger is at stake," he said. "Rule-by-gun has no place in today's world."</p>

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West African military chiefs said on Friday they were ready for an armed intervention in Niger after a coup ousted President Mohamed Bazoum last month, but a diplomatic mission was possible over the weekend to keep talks open.

West African military chiefs said on Friday they were ready for an armed intervention in Niger after a coup ousted President Mohamed Bazoum last month, but a diplomatic mission was possible over the weekend to keep talks open. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has agreed to activate a "standby force" as a last resort to restore democracy in Niger after generals toppled and detained Bazoum on July 26. ECOWAS defence chiefs met this week in the Ghanaian capital Accra to fine-tune details of a potential military operation to restore Bazoum if ongoing negotiations with coup leaders fail. "We are ready to go any time the order is given," said Abdel-Fatau Musah, an ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs and security. Also Read | Niger's new Prime Minister says no harm will come to captive President Mohamed Bazoum "The D-Day is also decided." But the leaders also say they still favour dialogue and that ECOWAS could send a diplomatic mission to Niger on Saturday. "Tomorrow there is the possibility of an ECOWAS mission going into Niger to continue to pursue the peaceful path to restoration of constitutional order," he said. "We are ready to resolve the issue peacefully but it takes two to tango." ECOWAS leaders say they have to act after Niger became the fourth West African nation since 2020 to suffer a coup, following Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea. Also Read | Brazil: Bolsonaro's legal troubles mount as SC Justice authorises probe into his finances The Sahel region is struggling with growing jihadist insurgencies linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. Frustration over the violence has in part prompted the military takeovers. ECOWAS troops have intervened in other emergencies since 1990, including civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ivory Coast, Benin and Nigeria are expected to contribute troops to a Niger mission. 'Grave consequences' Bazoum, whose 2021 election was a landmark in Niger's troubled history, has been held with his family at the president's official residence since the coup, with growing international concern over his conditions in detention. ECOWAS chair and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Friday threatened Niamey with "grave consequences" if the new regime allows Bazoum's health to worsen under house arrest, an EU official said. During a call to EU chief Charles Michel, Tinubu noted: "President Bazoum's detention conditions are deteriorating." "Any further deterioration to his well-being status will have grave consequences." Watch | Has China's growth story hit a roadblock? × Michel had renewed the European Union's "full support and backing of ECOWAS' decisions, as well as firm condemnation of the unacceptable coup de force in Niger". Niger's military-appointed prime minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, told The New York Times that the coup leaders would do Bazoum no harm. "Nothing will happen to him, because we don't have a tradition of violence in Niger," the most senior civilian in the new regime told the newspaper in an interview from Dakar. Militarily risky Details of the Niger operation have not been released and analysts say any intervention would be politically and militarily risky, especially for regional player Nigeria. Nigeria is already struggling to contain violence from several armed groups at home, and leaders in the country's north have warned about spillover from Niger across the border if there is an intervention. Niger's coup leaders have warned against any military strikes and defiantly threatened to charge Bazoum with treason. But they have also said they are open to talks. The military-ruled governments in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso have also said an intervention in Niger would be seen as a declaration of war against them. ECOWAS has already applied trade and financial sanctions on Niger while France, Germany and the United States have suspended aid programmes. Germany's foreign ministry has also said it wants the EU to impose sanctions on the coup leaders, saying that Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had held talks with her French and US counterparts. UN rights chief Volker Turk slammed the generals who seized power on "a whim", plunging Niger further into misery and stranding thousands of migrants. "The very notion of freedoms in Niger is at stake," he said. "Rule-by-gun has no place in today's world." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

West Africa military chiefs ready for intervention in Niger; ECOWAS to send diplomatic mission

<p>On July 26, Niger witnessed a military coup for the fifth time since the country gained independence from France in the 1960s.</p>

<p>On that day, the presidential guards detained President Mohamed Bazoum, and commander General Abdourahamane Tchiani proclaimed himself the leader of a new military junta.</p>

<p>In a televised address, soldiers announced that they had removed the president from power, seized control of the government and suspended the constitution.</p>

<p>The coup leaders justified their actions by claiming that it was in response to the “continuing deterioration of the security situation”, adding that the president’s measures did not go far enough to protect Niger.</p>

<p>The putschists also pointed to the country’s collapsing economic position as another reason.</p>

<p>They also closed the country’s borders and suspended all institutions of the republic, and announced a national curfew. The soldiers warned against any foreign intervention.</p>

<p>The apparent coup was said to be led by the head of a regional political and security group.</p>

<p>Apart from the international players like Russia and the United States, the regional bloc ECOWAS or the Economic Community of West African States has been playing an active role.</p>

<p>The ECOWAS threatened to intervene militarily if the coup leaders fail to restore constitutional order. It had also given the Niger military junta a deadline to adhere to its demands, but it did not yield any desired results.</p>

<p>Following this, ECOWAS said it has activated the 'standby force' to "restore constitutional order" in Niger.</p>

<p>It said that its intervention aims to bring back ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to rule Niger.</p>

<p>The Niger junta, in response, reportedly issued a call for volunteers to resist ECOWAS "invaders".</p>

<h2><strong>What is ECOWAS?</strong></h2>

<p>Established in 1975 through the Lagos Treaty, ECOWAS’s aim is to promote economic integration among its members through a single common currency and create a single trading bloc in areas of industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, financial issues, and social and cultural matters.</p>

<p>According to its website, the vision of ECOWAS is the creation of a “borderless region” that is well-integrated.</p>

<p>“ECOWAS is meant to be a region governed in accordance with the principles of democracy, rule of law and good governance,” it states.</p>

<p>At the helm of its organisation structure is the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. The Chairman is the current Head of State and Government and is appointed by other Heads of State and Government to oversee its affairs for one year.</p>

<p>It has 15 members: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’ Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo. Around 400 million people live in this region.</p>

<p>However, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, were suspended after the civilian government was overthrown and the ECOWAS leaders refused to recognise their new governments.</p>

<h2><strong>Role of ECOWAS </strong></h2>

<p>Apart from their stated goals of economic cooperation, ECOWAS has been busy in attempting to prevent military conflicts in the region.</p>

<p>AP news agency states that ECOWAS operated as a regional peacekeeping operation known as ECOMOG, led by Nigeria in the 1990s and early 2000s, in Liberia when forces were first deployed in 1990 during the deadly civil war and in Sierra Leone in 1997 when a democratically elected government was overthrown.</p>

<p>In 2017, it intervened in Gambia after longtime president Yahya Jammeh refused to step down after losing the elections which eventually led to the winner Adama Burrow coming to power. It has sent its troops to other countries but never to Niger.</p>

<p>Notably, Niger coup’s leader Gen. Tchiani has previously served as battalion commander for ECOWAS peacekeepers in Ivory Coast after a ceasefire between government and rebel forces in 2003.</p>

<h2><strong>What will happen next?</strong></h2>

<p>For all intents and purposes, ECOWAS leaders plan to intervene militarily, though Niger putschists have said that they will give an apt response.</p>

<p>ECOWAS had set a&nbsp;deadline for mutinous soldiers to release and reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum earlier this month.</p>

<p>But the junta leaders didn’t toe the line, following which the military chiefs from West African states on Thursday began two days of discussions in Ghana's capital&nbsp;of Accra about the ongoing crisis in&nbsp;Niger.</p>

<p>West African regional bloc&nbsp;ECOWAS&nbsp;said the meeting&nbsp;was being held "to finalize plans for the deployment of the Standby Force."</p>

<p>"Democracy is what we stand for and it's what we encourage," Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, told the meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The focus of our gathering is not simply to react to events, but to proactively chart a course that results in peace and promotes stability," he added.</p>

<p>He listed past ECOWAS deployments in Gambia, Liberia and elsewhere as examples of readiness.</p>

<p>“If push comes to shove we are going into Niger with our own contingents and equipment and our own resources to make sure we restore constitutional order. If other democratic partners want to support us they are welcome,” he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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On July 26, Niger witnessed a military coup for the fifth time since the country gained independence from France in the 1960s. On that day, the presidential guards detained President Mohamed Bazoum, and commander General Abdourahamane Tchiani proclaimed himself the leader of a new military junta.

On July 26, Niger witnessed a military coup for the fifth time since the country gained independence from France in the 1960s. On that day, the presidential guards detained President Mohamed Bazoum, and commander General Abdourahamane Tchiani proclaimed himself the leader of a new military junta. In a televised address, soldiers announced that they had removed the president from power, seized control of the government and suspended the constitution. The coup leaders justified their actions by claiming that it was in response to the “continuing deterioration of the security situation”, adding that the president’s measures did not go far enough to protect Niger. The putschists also pointed to the country’s collapsing economic position as another reason. They also closed the country’s borders and suspended all institutions of the republic, and announced a national curfew. The soldiers warned against any foreign intervention. The apparent coup was said to be led by the head of a regional political and security group. Apart from the international players like Russia and the United States, the regional bloc ECOWAS or the Economic Community of West African States has been playing an active role. The ECOWAS threatened to intervene militarily if the coup leaders fail to restore constitutional order. It had also given the Niger military junta a deadline to adhere to its demands, but it did not yield any desired results. Following this, ECOWAS said it has activated the 'standby force' to "restore constitutional order" in Niger. It said that its intervention aims to bring back ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to rule Niger. The Niger junta, in response, reportedly issued a call for volunteers to resist ECOWAS "invaders". What is ECOWAS? Established in 1975 through the Lagos Treaty, ECOWAS’s aim is to promote economic integration among its members through a single common currency and create a single trading bloc in areas of industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, financial issues, and social and cultural matters. According to its website, the vision of ECOWAS is the creation of a “borderless region” that is well-integrated. “ECOWAS is meant to be a region governed in accordance with the principles of democracy, rule of law and good governance,” it states. At the helm of its organisation structure is the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. The Chairman is the current Head of State and Government and is appointed by other Heads of State and Government to oversee its affairs for one year. It has 15 members: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’ Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo. Around 400 million people live in this region. However, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, were suspended after the civilian government was overthrown and the ECOWAS leaders refused to recognise their new governments. Role of ECOWAS Apart from their stated goals of economic cooperation, ECOWAS has been busy in attempting to prevent military conflicts in the region. AP news agency states that ECOWAS operated as a regional peacekeeping operation known as ECOMOG, led by Nigeria in the 1990s and early 2000s, in Liberia when forces were first deployed in 1990 during the deadly civil war and in Sierra Leone in 1997 when a democratically elected government was overthrown. In 2017, it intervened in Gambia after longtime president Yahya Jammeh refused to step down after losing the elections which eventually led to the winner Adama Burrow coming to power. It has sent its troops to other countries but never to Niger. Notably, Niger coup’s leader Gen. Tchiani has previously served as battalion commander for ECOWAS peacekeepers in Ivory Coast after a ceasefire between government and rebel forces in 2003. What will happen next? For all intents and purposes, ECOWAS leaders plan to intervene militarily, though Niger putschists have said that they will give an apt response. ECOWAS had set a deadline for mutinous soldiers to release and reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum earlier this month. But the junta leaders didn’t toe the line, following which the military chiefs from West African states on Thursday began two days of discussions in Ghana's capital of Accra about the ongoing crisis in Niger. West African regional bloc ECOWAS said the meeting was being held "to finalize plans for the deployment of the Standby Force." "Democracy is what we stand for and it's what we encourage," Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, told the meeting. "The focus of our gathering is not simply to react to events, but to proactively chart a course that results in peace and promotes stability," he added. He listed past ECOWAS deployments in Gambia, Liberia and elsewhere as examples of readiness. “If push comes to shove we are going into Niger with our own contingents and equipment and our own resources to make sure we restore constitutional order. If other democratic partners want to support us they are welcome,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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