Niger Junta declined ECOWAS, AU, UN Visit for security reason

The leaders of Niger's military junta have declined a high-level diplomatic visit due to concerns over the visitors' safety.

Delegates from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), the African Union, and the United Nations were scheduled to arrive today.

However, the coup leaders informed Ecowas that the imposition of sanctions and the potential invasion by the bloc had stirred public anger, making it impossible to guarantee a calm and secure environment to host the delegation.

Furthermore, Niger's land and air borders have been closed, as per reports from the capital, Niamey.

Despite the fact that the ousted President, Mohamed Bazoum, was democratically elected, the coup has been met with approval by many in Niamey, who view it as a breath of fresh air.

The United States has warned of the potential risk of Russian Wagner mercenaries taking advantage of the situation in Niger.