France Supports ECOWAS Efforts to Thwart Coup Attempt in Niger

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated today, Saturday, that "Paris will strongly support the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to thwart the military coup in Niger." It added: "The future of Niger and the stability of the entire region are at stake." Earlier, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna stated: "The military council in Niamey has until tomorrow, Sunday, to hand over power; otherwise, the threat from ECOWAS member states of military intervention should be taken seriously." Colonna met today with Niger's Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou and Niger's Ambassador to Paris, Kani Aissatou Boulam.