Supporters of the military council in Niger organized protests in the capital, Niamey, on Thursday, opposing foreign sanctions, while France condemned the new authorities' decision to suspend broadcasts of two prominent French radio and television stations in the country. On Thursday, Niger halted the broadcasts of two official French news outlets, "France 24" and "Radio France Internationale (RFI)", prompting the French Foreign Ministry to condemn the action. This move mirrored actions taken against French media by the military councils in Mali and Burkina Faso following coups there. Earlier on the same day, hundreds of supporters of the military council in Niger took to the streets in Niamey to protest against foreign pressures on the coup leaders. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) indicated that it might resort to force if President Bazoum is not reinstated by Sunday. A protester told Reuters, "We will demonstrate against all ECOWAS countries and anyone taking inhumane and unpopular actions toward Niger, which seeks to liberate itself from the yoke of colonialism."
High-ranking defense officials from West African countries are concluding discussions in Nigeria about potential intervention in Niger, although they stated that this would be a last resort. For her part, Senegalese Foreign Minister Aissatou Sow Sal confirmed that soldiers from Senegal would participate if ECOWAS decides to intervene. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted his support for ECOWAS's strategy, stating, "We believe that what ECOWAS is doing and the statements it is making are important and strong, and we support them." China expressed its belief that Niger and regional countries have the wisdom and capability to reach a political solution. Meanwhile, Mali and Burkina Faso declared that they would view any intervention in Niger as a "declaration of war" against them as well and would defend Niamey.
