Neighbours 'may use force' to reinstate the president

A powerful bloc of west African states suspended ties with Niger following last week's coup and authorised the possible use of force if the country's democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, is not released and reinstated within a week.

- 

The ultimatum was delivered by the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) as France warned that any attacks on French citizens or its interests in Niger - a former colony - would provoke an "immediate and stringent" reaction.

France's embassy in Niamey was targeted during pro-junta and pro-Russia protests last Sunday. Thousands of protesters marched through the capital waving Russian flags, chanting the name of Vladimir Putin and forcefully denouncing France. According to a witness, a crowd congregated outside the embassy and a door was set on fire.

The military junta that seized power accused France of plotting military intervention, as tensions in the region continued to grow.

The French foreign minister, Catherine Colonna, denied any alleged intention of military intervention in the west African country.