Niger's military government has temporarily halted the issuance of new mining licenses and initiated an audit of the sector. The country, known for its high-grade uranium ores and significant uranium production, continues operations in its major uranium mine run by France's Orano despite a recent coup. Additionally, Ghana's Nguvu Mining operates the only commercial gold mine in the southwest.

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.

West African defence chiefs are considering military intervention to oust Niger's ruling junta if diplomatic efforts fail. ECOWAS is prepared to restore constitutional order in Niger, where President Mohamed Bazoum was deposed on July 26. The junta has resisted calls from international bodies to reinstate him, prompting ECOWAS to assemble a stand-by force. Niger's strategic importance includes its role in combating Islamist insurgents and its uranium and oil reserves. Western countries fear the junta may align with Russia's Wagner group, as seen in Mali. Local residents in Niamey oppose external intervention, suspecting foreign manipulation, particularly by France. ECOWAS denies such accusations, emphasizing its commitment to regional norms and protocols.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail, as stated by ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has led to calls from the UN, ECOWAS, and Western powers for his reinstatement. Niger's strategic importance, due to its role in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources, has heightened international concern. The junta's anti-French rhetoric and the presence of foreign troops, including those from France, the US, Germany, and Italy, add complexity to the situation. Local sentiment in Niamey shows support for the coup leaders and resistance to external intervention.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has faced international condemnation. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order, citing past interventions in the region. The situation in Niger is critical due to its strategic importance in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Local sentiment in Niamey shows resistance to foreign intervention, with some residents suspecting coordination between France and ECOWAS. France has denied any destabilizing actions.

West African defence chiefs, under the ECOWAS bloc, are considering military intervention in Niger to reverse a coup that deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail. The coup has strategic implications due to Niger's role in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Local sentiment in Niamey is largely against foreign intervention, with accusations of ECOWAS being manipulated by France. ECOWAS maintains its independence and commitment to regional stability.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has faced international condemnation. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order. Niger's strategic importance, due to its role in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources, has drawn significant international attention. Local residents in Niamey have shown support for the coup leaders and rejected external intervention. Western countries, including France, have denied accusations of destabilizing Niger.

West African defence chiefs, under the ECOWAS bloc, are considering military intervention in Niger to reverse a coup that deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail. The coup has strategic implications due to Niger's role in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Local sentiment in Niger's capital is largely against external intervention, with accusations of foreign manipulation, particularly by France. ECOWAS maintains its stance as an independent, rules-based organization prepared to act if necessary.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has faced international condemnation. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order. The situation in Niger is critical due to its strategic importance in the fight against Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Western countries are concerned about the potential influence of Russia's Wagner Group, which has supported the coup. In Niamey, residents have protested against ECOWAS intervention, expressing confidence in their armed forces.

France's ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, has returned to Paris following a month-long standoff with Niger's military junta, which had ordered his expulsion. This move comes after President Emmanuel Macron announced the withdrawal of both the ambassador and French troops from Niger. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since the military coup in July, with increasing anti-French sentiment and protests in Niger. The situation reflects broader regional tensions in West Africa, where several former French colonies are now under military rule and have expelled French forces. Analysts warn that the withdrawal could hinder efforts to combat Islamist insurgencies and potentially increase Russian influence in the region.

Niger's ruling junta has ordered the expulsion of French ambassador Sylvain Itte, escalating tensions with France. The junta's actions follow a pattern seen in Mali and Burkina Faso, distancing from former colonial powers amid rising anti-French sentiment. The coup, condemned by regional and Western authorities, has led to sanctions from Ecowas, impacting aid delivery. France, supporting ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, refuses to recognize the junta's authority and maintains its ambassador in Niger. Ecowas threatens military intervention if diplomatic efforts fail, while the EU plans sanctions against coup leaders.

Niger's junta has ordered the expulsion of French ambassador Sylvain Itte, escalating tensions with France. The move follows similar strategies by Mali and Burkina Faso, distancing from the former colonial power amid anti-French sentiment. The junta's actions have been condemned by regional and Western authorities, with Ecowas imposing sanctions on Niger and the EU planning sanctions against the coup instigators. France has not recognized the junta's authority to revoke military agreements or expel the ambassador, maintaining support for ousted president Mohamed Bazoum. Ecowas has threatened military intervention if dialogue fails, while France has redefined its Sahel counterinsurgency strategy.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has faced international condemnation. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order, citing past interventions in the region. The situation in Niger is critical due to its strategic importance in the fight against Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Local sentiment in Niamey shows support for the coup leaders and resistance to foreign intervention, with anti-French rhetoric prevalent. Western countries, including France, have denied accusations of destabilizing Niger.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has led to calls from international bodies for his reinstatement. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order, citing past deployments in the region. The situation in Niger is critical due to its strategic importance in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Local sentiment in Niamey shows resistance to foreign intervention, with some residents suspecting coordination between France and ECOWAS. France and other Western nations have denied any destabilizing actions.

West African defence chiefs, under the ECOWAS bloc, are considering military intervention in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has led to calls from international bodies for his reinstatement. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order, citing past interventions in the region. The situation in Niger is critical due to its strategic importance in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Local sentiment in Niamey is largely against foreign intervention, with accusations that ECOWAS is being manipulated by France, a claim ECOWAS denies.

West African defence chiefs, under the ECOWAS bloc, are considering military intervention in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has led to calls from the UN and Western powers for his reinstatement. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order, citing past interventions in the region. The situation in Niger is critical due to its strategic importance in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Local sentiment in Niamey shows resistance to foreign intervention, with accusations of ECOWAS being manipulated by France, which has denied such claims.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has led to calls from international bodies for his reinstatement. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order, citing past deployments in the region. The situation in Niger is critical due to its strategic importance and the presence of foreign troops combating Islamist insurgents. Local sentiment in Niamey shows resistance to external intervention, with some residents suspecting coordination between France and ECOWAS.

West African defence chiefs, under the ECOWAS bloc, are considering military intervention in Niger to reverse a coup that deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail. The coup has strategic implications due to Niger's role in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. The junta's anti-French rhetoric and rejection of ECOWAS intervention have sparked local support for the coup leaders. Western countries, including France, support ECOWAS's efforts to reinstate the elected government.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. This decision follows the deposition of President Mohamed Bazoum by Niger military officers on July 26, despite calls from the United Nations, ECOWAS, and Western powers for his reinstatement. West African heads of state have ordered the assembly of a stand-by force in response.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has faced international condemnation and calls for reinstatement from the UN, ECOWAS, and Western powers. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order, citing past interventions in the region. The situation in Niger is further complicated by its strategic importance and the presence of foreign troops combating Islamist insurgents. Local sentiment in Niamey shows resistance to external intervention, with some residents suspecting coordination between France and ECOWAS.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has led to calls from international bodies for his reinstatement. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order, citing past deployments in the region. The situation in Niger is critical due to its strategic importance and the presence of foreign troops combating Islamist insurgents. Local sentiment in Niamey shows support for the coup leaders and resistance to external intervention.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. Niger's strategic importance is highlighted due to its role in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. The coup has led to tensions with Western countries, particularly France, which has been accused by the junta of destabilizing the country. ECOWAS officials emphasize their readiness to restore constitutional order, while local sentiment in Niger shows resistance to external intervention.

West African defence chiefs, under the ECOWAS bloc, are considering military intervention in Niger to reverse a coup that deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail. The coup has strategic implications due to Niger's role in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Western countries fear the junta may align with Russia's Wagner group, similar to Mali. Local sentiment in Niger's capital is against foreign intervention, with accusations of ECOWAS being manipulated by France, which France denies.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. Niger's strategic importance, due to its role in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources, has drawn international attention. The coup leaders have resisted calls from ECOWAS, the UN, and Western powers to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order, while local residents in Niamey expressed support for the coup leaders and skepticism towards foreign intervention.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has faced international condemnation. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order, citing past interventions in Gambia and Liberia. The situation in Niger is critical due to its strategic importance in the fight against Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Local sentiment in Niamey shows support for the coup leaders and resistance to foreign intervention, particularly from France, which has been accused of coordinating with ECOWAS.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has led to calls from the UN, ECOWAS, and Western powers for his reinstatement. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order. The situation in Niger is critical due to its strategic importance in the fight against Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Western countries are concerned about the potential influence of Russia's Wagner Group, which has supported the coup. Local residents in Niamey have shown support for the coup leaders and opposition to foreign intervention.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has led to calls from international bodies like the United Nations and Western powers for his reinstatement. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order, citing past deployments in other West African nations. The situation in Niger is critical due to its strategic importance in the fight against Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Western countries are concerned about the potential influence of Russia's Wagner Group, which has supported the coup. In Niger's capital, residents have shown support for the coup leaders and opposition to foreign intervention.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has led to calls from the UN, ECOWAS, and Western powers for his reinstatement. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order, citing past deployments in Gambia and Liberia. The situation in Niger is critical due to its strategic importance in the fight against Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Western countries are concerned about the potential influence of Russia's Wagner Group, which has supported the coup. In Niamey, residents have protested against ECOWAS intervention, with some suspecting coordination between France and ECOWAS. France has denied accusations of destabilizing Niger.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order, citing past deployments in Gambia and Liberia. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has strategic implications due to Niger's role in combating Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Western countries fear the junta may align with Russia's Wagner group, similar to Mali. In Niamey, residents have protested against ECOWAS intervention, with some accusing France of coordinating actions with ECOWAS. France has denied these accusations.

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 reinstatement calls 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 anti-French rhetoric has been met with skepticism from residents, while Western countries fear a scenario similar to Mali's, where French troops were replaced by Russian mercenaries. ECOWAS has a history of deployments in the region and is ready to restore constitutional order in Niger 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. 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.

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 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 in Niger, which saw President Mohamed Bazoum deposed, has been met with defiance by the junta despite international calls for reinstatement. Niger holds strategic importance due to its role in combating Islamist insurgents in the Sahel and its natural resources. Western fears are growing that the junta may align with Russia's Wagner group, similar to Mali. In Niamey, protests against ECOWAS and in support of the coup leaders have occurred, with residents like Omar Yaye expressing confidence in the national armed 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 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 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.

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to intervene militarily in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. The coup, which deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, has faced international condemnation, including from the United Nations and Western powers. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc's readiness to restore constitutional order. The situation in Niger is critical due to its strategic importance in the fight against Islamist insurgents and its natural resources. Local residents in Niamey have shown support for the coup leaders and rejected external intervention.