Ibrahim Manzo Diallo, the Director of publication at the Nigerien newspaper Air Info, has been honored with the gold medal in the print press category at the Norbert Zongo African Investigative Journalism Award (PAJI-NZ) for his investigation titled 'MALI-BURKINA-NIGER: CLANDESTINE GOLD MINING AND TERRORISM: Sweat, Blood, and Tears.' The investigation reveals strategies used by terrorist groups in the Sahel to secure financial and human resources and suggests strategies to cut off their funding without impacting local populations. The award was announced during a gala night on October 21-22, 2023, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, as part of the 10th edition of the International Festival of Freedom of Expression and Press (FILEP), with 118 investigations from 29 countries reviewed by an international jury.

ECOWAS is prepared to militarily intervene in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail, as stated by ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah during a meeting with army chiefs in Ghana. The coup, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, has been met with resistance from the UN, ECOWAS, and Western powers. Niger holds strategic importance due to its role in combating Islamist insurgents in the Sahel and its natural resources. The junta's actions have raised concerns of a scenario similar to Mali, where French troops were expelled in favor of Russian mercenaries. Residents in Niger's capital have protested against ECOWAS and expressed support for the coup leaders, with some echoing the junta's anti-French rhetoric. France has denied accusations of seeking to destabilize Niger. ECOWAS has accused the coup leaders of avoiding dialogue and is ready to enforce constitutional order if necessary.

ECOWAS is prepared to militarily intervene in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail, as stated by ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah during a meeting with army chiefs in Ghana. The coup, which took place on July 26, saw President Mohamed Bazoum deposed by military officers, who have since ignored international calls for his reinstatement. Niger holds strategic importance due to its role in combating Islamist insurgents in the Sahel and its natural resources. The possibility of an ECOWAS intervention has been met with protests in Niger's capital, Niamey, and residents like Omar Yaye have expressed opposition, citing preparedness of local forces and skepticism towards ECOWAS and France.

ECOWAS is prepared for military intervention in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, has been met with international condemnation from the UN, ECOWAS, and Western powers. ECOWAS has a history of interventions in Gambia and Liberia, indicating their readiness. Niger holds strategic importance due to its role in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. The junta's actions have raised concerns of a potential alignment with Russia's Wagner group, similar to Mali. In Niamey, protests support the coup leaders, with some residents expressing distrust towards ECOWAS and foreign influence. ECOWAS Commissioner Musah has refuted claims of external manipulation and emphasized the bloc's commitment to its protocols and norms. Most ECOWAS member states are ready to contribute to the stand-by force for intervention.

ECOWAS is prepared for military intervention in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail, as stated by ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah during a meeting with defense chiefs in Ghana. The coup, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, has been met with protests in Niger's capital, Niamey, against ECOWAS and in support of the coup leaders. Niger holds strategic importance due to its role in combating Islamist insurgents in the Sahel and its natural resources. Western countries, including France, are concerned about the junta potentially inviting Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group, similar to Mali. ECOWAS has been accused of being influenced by foreign powers, particularly France, which has been denied by both France and Musah. ECOWAS maintains its readiness to protect its protocols and norms to restore constitutional order in Niger.

ECOWAS is prepared to militarily intervene in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail, as stated by ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah during a meeting with army chiefs in Ghana. The coup, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, has been met with defiance against international calls for reinstatement. Niger holds strategic importance due to its role in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. The junta's actions have raised concerns of a scenario similar to Mali, where French troops were expelled in favor of Russian mercenaries. Residents in Niger's capital have protested against ECOWAS and expressed support for the coup leaders, with some, like Omar Yaye, voicing skepticism towards foreign intervention.

ECOWAS is prepared to militarily intervene in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail, as stated by ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah. The coup, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, has been met with defiance against international calls for reinstatement. Niger holds strategic importance due to its role in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. The possibility of intervention follows precedents in Gambia and Liberia. Local residents in Niamey have protested against ECOWAS and expressed support for the coup leaders, with some echoing anti-French sentiments. France has refuted allegations of destabilizing Niger or violating its airspace. International forces, including French, US, German, and Italian troops, are present in Niger to fight Islamist insurgents.