Niger regim says it cannot host West African mission

The military junta in Niger has informed ECOWAS that it cannot host a delegation from the West African regional bloc, citing reasons of security due to what it characterized as widespread anger among the Nigerien population following sanctions imposed by the bloc.

"The current context of anger and revolt among the population following the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS makes it impossible to welcome this delegation in the required serenity and security," Niger's foreign affairs ministry wrote in a letter addressed to the ECOWAS representation in Niamey.