what you think ecowas needs to to make that happen? i you think ecowas needs to to make that happen?ake that happen? i don't know how ms crowe _ make that happen? i don't know how ms crowe co-ordination - how ms crowe co—ordination there was between the us and ecowas, imagine there was some communication, that's normally how we operate, so it seems to be that there seems to be communication between the united states, which is willing to put itself really out there on a limb to try to help things move along, and the leadership at ecowas. if there is a way to somehow talk this group into really looking at what its options are, if this group of military men who have taken over really are doing this for the nigerian people and you can see the suffering that suffering that is causing and the suffering in the nigerien public, they should be able to sit down with the leaders of ecowas and whatever external good friends there to try to work a way out. i think that is possible if, again, if these soldiers really are considering the population. i do think the window is, in it was a caller, sma

ecowas is been there _ believe this will end? ecowas is been there before _ believe this will end?ve this will end? ecowas is. been there before and they are no strangers to cool but ecowas appears to have dropped the ball some years ago and allowing soldiers to take power and now, they want to stop it and this is very complex, if you bring them, the countries appear to be bonding together to fight and invasion. that is why ecowas is now saying we were able to stop the war in liberia and syria and it's not a bad strategy that they been using that have allowed and again, because of the fact that they some of them, they been turning up political coup and rigging collection, corruption in the not actually leading in a bank that is what is giving them the and and sensing the population and they're trying to cash in on that. fascinating to hear your thoughts on this and thank you very much for joining us. around the world and across the uk. this is bbc news. let's look at some other stories making news. nhs flu jabs and covid boosters, will be scrapped for under—65s this winter. 12 mill

people have said there is no difference between ecowas and the au, but ecowas is essentially also sayingplease agreed to the sanctions, agree to everything we have said so the world, regionally and people abroad, will cs coming together and having a firm stance as far as this position is concerned towards niger. brent: niger's coup leaders defied the last headline posed by ecowas last weekend, and have gone so far as to name a new government. half of the cabinet positions are going to civilians, but the other half are going to the military. how widely is it that this junta is going to back down? >> i mean, very unlikely. you know, that's part of the sentiments we are getting. also having to establish their own leadership and consolidate the opposition, that they are not backing out. having strategic leaders to really say, these are the people who will be in charge. it sends some sort of message to ecowas, saying, we are not moving out anytime soon. maybe that will change, because of how ecowas is speaking very strongly this time on the need to negotiate and seek a peaceful resolution. th

so, what else can ecowas do _ drawing board. so, what else can ecowas do aside _ drawing board. can ecowas do aside from _ drawing board. so, what else can ecowas do aside from a - drawing board. so, what else can ecowas do aside from a military l ecowas do aside from a military intervention?— ecowas do aside from a military intervention? ~ �* , , intervention? well, let's remember ecowas is not _ intervention? well, let's remember ecowas is not the _ intervention? well, let's remember ecowas is not the only _ intervention? well, let's remember ecowas is not the only organisation| ecowas is not the only organisation trying to put pressure on the junta. we have seen they have done a lot in the last week in terms of imposing their own no—fly zone, so cutting off commercial flights into the country, they have imposed sanctions, so they are doing a lot already. we have seen nigeria cut off electricity supplies to kneejerk. this remember the african union also has a role to play. —— back supplies to niger. it has threatened to suspend niger from the african union. then there's washin

do you think ecowas - country. is he up to the task? do you think ecowas and - country. and with | do you think ecowas and with nigeria at the helm, what do you make of the situation and the way that they have been handling it?— handling it? because of nigeria's _ handling it? because of nigeria's uncertainty i handling it? because of - nigeria's uncertainty issues there is uncertainty if tinubu is up for the task and in the past when ecowas has tried to deploy standby forces it has taken weeks to put it together so of course they have activated the standby force to be deployed. they say it is a last resort and there is a lot of confusion among experts if they will be able to deploy it properly. i5 they will be able to deploy it ro erl . , , they will be able to deploy it --roerl. , ,., they will be able to deploy it --roerl. , _, properly. is this a sabre rattling. _ properly. is this a sabre rattling, do _ properly. is this a sabre rattling, do you - properly. is this a sabre rattling, do you think, | properly. is this a sabre l rattling, do you think, on behalf of eco

onto its power and should ecowas deem that that is needed. use of force? i personally think that that is the most important instrument that ecowas can use as a last resort. they're using the justification for that is the potential for contagion in the region and that is why they have this force on standby. they have used that is the justification as well for closing the borders, shutting off the electricity. are you concerned about that? i think that, rather than say it's the worry about contagion, they also thought it was within the charter that ecowas states had decided to support democratisation in the region, so the imposition of sanctions and the other instruments in their toolbox that they had to use were sort of messages to send to militaries or other people that would try to overthrow democratically elected governments. there isn't another way for these estates to try to show a collect of point of view. and so i think you have to acknowledge that and i think all the states have acknowledge that. the have used these kinds of things in

we are against the sanctions imposed on niger by ecowas.o it's a situation within ecowas itself that is supposed to be for regional cohesion, and it's not being together in terms of its members. remember also that burkina faso and mali and niger are former french colonies and french-speaking. so it is concerning for the region because there seems to be some sort of alliance within some groups within ecowas, and that will deed stabilize -- destabilize ecowas even further. even more when there is an internal problem like what we are seeing. that will bring more chaos and instability even within the ecowas itself. nicole: today on the 63rd anniversary of niger's independence from france, pro-junta protesters have been marking the day, many chanting anti-france slogans and waving russian flags, as we just saw on the report. how important are these two foreign powers to the coup supporters? amaka: the question of importance, especially of france now to niger, is quite debatable. we have seen very strong anti-france sentiments. i spoke to someone

ecowas can use as a last resort-— ecowas can use as a last resort. , . , resort.n _ resort. they are using the justification for _ resort. they are using the justification for that - resort. they are using the justification for that is - resort. they are using the justification for that is the potential for contagion in the region and that is why they have this was on standby full up have this was on standby full up the views that is the justification as well for closing the borders, shutting off the electricity. pare closing the borders, shutting off the electricity.— off the electricity. are you concerned _ off the electricity. are you concerned about - off the electricity. are you concerned about that? - off the electricity. are you concerned about that? i l off the electricity. are you i concerned about that? i think that, ratherthan concerned about that? i think that, rather than say it's the worry about contagion, they also thought it was within the data that ecowas states had decided to support democratisation in the region, so the imposition of sanctions a

ecowas has face-saving to do because — further.e drawn i further. ecowas has face-saving to do because they have drawn this . further. ecowas has face-saving to l do because they have drawn this line in the sand and created an ultimatum, but now they haven't been able to follow through on that ultimatum. the ultimatum expired last night. the junta ultimatum. the ultimatum expired last night. thejunta in niger clearly has not backed down itself. it's actually double down on a military solution. so ecowas will have to look for other ways to continue to put pressure while at the same time making acknowledging the same time making acknowledging the obvious which is it simply doesn't have the resources to stage a military intervention, and even if it did, even if the nigerian parliament had not denied use of its forces for this intervention, even if it could rally forces, i think it would be disastrous for the region knowing what they anticipate if they were to go into niger. what knowing what they anticipate if they were to go into nig

how much does ecowas _ are watching right now. how much does ecowas have _ are watching right now.of parallel, given that two of its own members have said they would not support, in fact would actively consider any military intervention in niger as an act of war against them, doesn't that mean ecowas is pretty toothless? trio. them, doesn't that mean ecowas is pretty toothless?— pretty toothless? no, i don't think we should--- _ pretty toothless? no, i don't think we should... we _ pretty toothless? no, i don't think we should... we can _ pretty toothless? no, i don't thinkl we should... we can underestimate the resolve of the head of the states in the ecowas regarding this. they have shown strength in terms of taking difficult decisions, as then straight domestically in one country... ecowas leaders are also worried about the domino effects of the coups in the region if it doesn't stop in niger, three countries are ready, niger is the force, what country will be next? so i think all those leaders are feeling the pressure to try to provide a strong response to this coup contagion i

because ultimately the ball is in ecowas's court.hey probably made the calculation that the west, particularly the u.s. and france, do not want to be seen to get involved, because so much of this has been stoked by anti-western sentiment. so as well as that, that ecowas were the ones who put on the table that military intervention would be an option. so therefore, it actually plays into the junta's best interest to say nothing to those who are trying to negotiate with them, and rather to talk to those who might be some allies in some way, shape, or form, be they burkina faso, mali, or even the russians. so i mean, i imagine that is probably what they are looking to do. in terms of other options, i think cameron alluded to this earlier, what they can do is say, look, if people want some form of democratic transition, then we will set the terms, we will dictate how that happens. we will not be dictated to. so in order to do that, all they have to do is to make appointments, which we have seen them doing, and then present a form of resp

the military junta basically called ecowas a.g. barr: bluff. -- ecowas's bluff.oes the organization still have leverage? guest: it nigeria is still a big player. it is the largest economy in the continent and in the region, a country that is seen to have a lot of legitimacy. nigeria was not colonized by france, so some of the arguments that we have heard advanced in the context of niger such as which refer to the alleged damage and problematic relationship they have with friends are not relative to nigeria. and nigeria has a good trade relationship with niger. as such, it has a lot of credibility. in this context it also is a country that has recently gone through its third democratic transition in recent times. so it is a huge moment to nigeria to prove their legitimacy on the global stage. brent: we have been seeing images of pro-coup, pro-junta rallies in niger. does that reflect how the people feel about the military takeover of their government? are they in favor of what has happened? guest: well, it is really difficult to know for sure. the reality is that

one thing is the ecowas community.says that we have a simple assumption, which will be that they will be settled. and if this don't success, we can have an intervention. the only thing i know is that. but this ultimatum that ecowas has given that there needs to be some kind of resolution to this within seven days. do you believe that they will take some kind of action if if the coup leaders don't reinstate president bazoum? we hope that the ongoing negotiations can lead to a peaceful solution. because it is the best issue for our country. earlier i spoke to the former us ambassador to chad, mark boulware, who gave me his assessment of this fast moving situation. well, it is a tense and dangerous situation. and as time goes on, of course, the coup leaders, the junta consolidates its power. in the beginning, it was just the presidential guard who took this action and the military was apparently not completely on board with it. but over time, they decided to join in and and reinforce the junta. so now the military seems t

meanwhile ecowas hope a diplomatic solution can still be found.rent: i spoke with a former director of information at ecowas. i asked him what would be the best outcome of the ecowas summit scheduled this thursday. guest: the best outcome would be that the west african leaders realized the warmongering strategies and are using discredited international organizations like ecowas, the african union, like the united nations. they have to realize it is a ocup -- it is a coup in the making. they were not elected properly in 2021 and was presiding over a country rife with corruption and authoritarianism. west african leaders should look at all the options, not just military options. may be the best way is to open dialogue. brent: what are the options if the military leaders continue with this silent treatment? adama: they are right in doing so. civilians were mobilized in ecowas, they are not the people with the capacity to lecture anybody. when they come to power, it is one man, once. nearly 53% of africans [indiscernible] we are not in support of a mi

that had also refused a visit from a ecowas delegation.— ecowas delegation. that is a very serious situation. - ecowas delegation. that is a very serious situation. how i very serious situation. how concerned are you about the safety of president bazoum? it is a serious situation and we are concerned about his safety. we have stayed engaged with him over the course of his detention, spoken with him on the phone several times. i have beenin the phone several times. i have been in touch with him, as has the secretary of state and others in the region have reached out to him and we will keep pushing for his release. ecowas will be having a meeting i think on thursday where they will discuss the situation, more aggressively talk about and they can find the path forward that will get president bazoum released.— bazoum released. specifically what is the — bazoum released. specifically what is the next _ bazoum released. specifically what is the next step - bazoum released. specifically what is the next step the - bazoum released. specifically what is the next step

have we had any response from ecowas — solution. response from ecowas from _ solution. have we had any response from ecowas from this _ solution. have we had any response from ecowas from this statement i solution. have we had any response i from ecowas from this statement from the military? from ecowas from this statement from the milita ? _, ., , from ecowas from this statement from the military?— the military? ecowas is expected to meet today to _ the military? ecowas is expected to meet today to discuss _ the military? ecowas is expected to meet today to discuss this - the military? ecowas is expected to meet today to discuss this new - meet today to discuss this new development. but aside that, the wider regional african union body is meeting today and the peace and security council actually currently trying to figure out now ways to stop the political crisis that is happening in niger and we willjust wait to see what they come up with. but analysts have said that this claim by the militaryjunta could jeopardise whatever peace

everybody . now for ecowas.efully, especially given the circumstances in niger and also the fragile situation in the entire saha region. and now coupled with the coup d'etat that we have had in the past. so pressure will be mounted on the militaryjunta, including the military junta, including economic the militaryjunta, including economic sanctions, that is already in place, and i am sure that part of that behind closed doors meetings today will also begin to look at the qualification of the willing to insure that pressure is mounted on the gentile. be that as it may, ecowas is part of the response mechanism and therefore is on the table. ~ ., ., i. ~' mechanism and therefore is on the table. ~ ., ., ~ ., ., table. what do you think of what the ambassador — table. what do you think of what the ambassadorjust _ table. what do you think of what the ambassadorjust had _ table. what do you think of what the ambassadorjust had to _ table. what do you think of what the ambassadorjust had to say? - table. what do you t

west africa is ecowas comes up with a plan. the block says it has sorted out how and when it could deploy forces in niger if coup leaders do not resist or -- do not return power to mohamed bazoum. a 19 year sentence to alexei navalny. a russian court convicts him of extremism and extends the opposition leaders time behind bars. and what seemed to be a military -- a miracle rescue before hopes were dashed. we visit a bereaved family six months after turkey's devastating earthquake. ♪ i'm nicole frolich. defense chiefs from the economic community of west african states or echo us say they have -- echo wes -- ecowas has given coup leaders in niger until sunday to return power to mohamed bazoum or face possible military force. this comes after niger's new military junta said it was stopping military cooperation with friends. >> west african's fourth successfully executed coup in two years. it's leaders frame it as an act of revolution against niger's former colonial power, france. troops are stationed at a base near the capital hel

ecowas - appreciate. do you think it will come to that. ecowas has - appreciate.threatened to use military force, it is interesting that you have different countries in the region agreeing and disagreeing with that. do you think it will come to military action? ecowas made it very clear that they would prefer to use dialogue. they have now activated the ecowas standby force, they have also said that they are ready to deploy their forces to niger to restore democratic rule. there was supposed to be a meeting which could have been held today in ghana by the chiefs of defence, that meeting was to do with coming down with some kind of strategy, how many troops it would require, but that meeting has been postponed indefinitely. that means that the plan that ecowas had is perhaps on hold. in regards to the back door negotiations, may the success they had with some of islamic scholars. i don't think there is an appetite in the region for military intervention because ecowas will be split in the middle. we already know that countries like burkina faso, mali and guinea wil

and ecowas are appearing fruitless. but they are going to continue talks between themselves and laid out behind the scenes a flurry of diplomatic activity is continuing to work out the next strategy on this when it comes to niger. >> amazonian rain forest leaders met for the first time this tuesday. this trying to find common ground to protect the ecosystem vital to preventing climate change. the alliance is 45 years old that's only met three times before. the brazilian president said he hopes today's summit will spur action. let's cross to rio de janeiro where our correspondent is standing by. tell us about the summit, what sit and who is there? >> it's a two-day summit. today and tomorrow. in the northern city that's in the amazon rain forest. here are represents from eight south american countries which have the amazon as inside their frontiers,ed in their borders. five of them are represented by their heads of state, which shows the importance of this occasion. would have been six but venezuela's nicolas maduro crie

priorto the chair are ecowas for that meeting.ach out to ecowas leaders to get a sense of the way forward and it has not been forthcoming until this announcement came out. there will be a lot to talk about at the summit. ecowas finds itself in a precarious and interesting position. 0n the one hand there is the ultimatum, the demand, reinstate mohamed bazoum. their credibility is on the line, but on the other hand there are so many other factors ecowas has to consider. do they have the full support of their members? we know nigeria, ivory coast and senegal have shown the possibility of sending their troops as part of a regional peacekeeping force into niger but on the other hand, other countries have other views. algeria say they are not interested in military action, that could destabilise the whole region. burkina faso and mali sending a delegation in solidarity. so on the one hand is ecowas united even as they meet us to mark secondly, what other factors do they have to look at? do they have the support of the people of niger? w

ecowas and defence chiefs _ terms of regional stability?tability? ecowas and defence chiefs earlier on - terms of regional stability? ecowas and defence chiefs earlier on friday| and defence chiefs earlier on friday in the capital of nigeria have said they were going ready to explore military options that they were waiting for the approval from ecowas heads of state by the end of the ultimatum this evening but yes, military interventions have happened before in the region for troops from neighbouring countries including nigeria, ghana, and senegal had gone into the neighbouring ivory coast for instance to restore order following a coup that had happened but this seems different because even within the former french colonies in west africa, there seems to be a divide between who is for and against a military intervention quickly, for instance, the countries of ivory coast and senegal have said they are willing to intervene and throw in the military might in the event of a military intervention but on the flip side, other countries like mali,

we are yet to hear from ecowas and what of would be concerning niger.imatum has elapsed the sunday evening and we are yet to hear from ecowas. but we also know that there are expected moves in niger in the coming days, the rally this afternoon showing pro—coup supporters at a stadium in any army. this showed that the people supported the junto, this showed that the people supported thejunto, chanting supported the junto, chanting anti—france supported thejunto, chanting anti—france songs and waving pro—russia flags in the crowds. and so we're just waiting to hear from ecowas on what this means and what are the next move would be. tells more about _ are the next move would be. tells more about those _ are the next move would be. tells more about those pro—coup protests. why people supporting the coup leaders? it why people supporting the coup leaders? , . leaders? it is a mix of feelings. the first part — leaders? it is a mix of feelings. the first part being _ leaders? it is a mix of feelings. the first part being that - leaders? it is a mix of feelings

what do people make of ecowas's - people make of ecowas's decision to place the sanctions, just how powerfulation actually l the organisation? tue: organisation actually with the organisation? tte: organisation actually with the sanctions is most likely antagonising the domestic population. they are having protests in niger against the sanctions. it's unlikely to cede control over the state as a result of the sanctions so on the ground it's probably backfiring against ecowas and ecowas's ability to maintain political pressure will also hit barriers in not only niger but across the region, should these sanctions remain on place for an extended period of time as it will not only hurt the niger economy but also ecowas members, memberstates niger economy but also ecowas members, member states as well who really depend on trade with niger, for their own economy. nigeria is very exposed, ben is exposed, —— benin.. these are key countries for trade with niger. it would likely result in demand in the coming weeks or months for a negotiated solution to be reached. thank ou ve solution to be reached.

reporter: ecowas military leaders are facing a dilemma.se force and risk regional instability, or back off and al low another west african nation to be under military rule. the bloc leaders have once again emphasized that armed intervention in niger is a last resort. >> let no one be in doubt, that if everything else fails, the forces of west africa, both military and civilian companies, are ready to answer to the call of duty. >> by all means available, constitutional order will be restored in the country. this meeting today bears testimony to that. reporter: but when and how west african troops could intervene remains unclear. niger's junta has already ignored an ecowas deadline to restore democracy. meanwhile, the ousted president and his family are under house arrest in the capital. ecowas have called on the coup leaders to release the president. yet another demand rejected by niger's new rulers. >> [indiscernible] let me repeat, nobody in africa is safe. reporter: it is not only the -- at stake is not only the future of nigerian democ

ecowas says... president presumed to help — the area. ecowas says...lity l presumed to help in the instability in the region. the presumed to help in the instability in the region-— in the region. the delegation from burkina in the region. the delegation from iiturkina faso. _ in the region. the delegation from burkina faso, to _ in the region. the delegation from burkina faso, to show— in the region. the delegation from burkina faso, to show their - burkina faso, to show their solidarity and also to accompany that niger public to challenge the threat comes from the 10 to, international organisation. i’sure threat comes from the 10 to, international organisation. i've got about a minute _ international organisation. i've got about a minute left _ international organisation. i've got about a minute left and _ international organisation. i've got about a minute left and i - international organisation. i've got about a minute left and i just - about a minute left and i just want to understand what you think and what those people who are in... or intervent

ecowas gave the coup leaders a week to restore the president, or potentially face military action.ires on sunday. mr bazoum's prime minister was out of the country when the military seized power. and on saturday, he was in paris, meeting with the french government and greeting protestors outside the nigerien embassy. in an interview, he dismissed the "pro—coup and anti—french" protests taking place in niger. sure, they make a lot of noise, but i can assure you they don't represent national opinion in the country in question. with france, we had a very good cooperation on the economic front, and we also had very good cooperation on the military front, an operation which has moreover borne fruit in the fight against terrorists in the sahel. i spoke with alexis akwagyiram, managing editor at the news website semafor africa. alexis, thank you for being here. there's a lot to talk about. first of all, i want to start with this seven—day deadline given by this group of west african leaders to reinstate the democratic government there in niger. that deadline is set to expire in really a m

ecowas gave the coup leaders a week to reinstate the president or face a military intervention.ne expires sunday. mr bazoum's prime minister was out of the country when the military seized power. on saturday in was in paris, where he met with the french government and greeted protestors outside the nigerien embassy. in an interview, prime minister ouhoumoudou mahamadou dismissed the pro—coup and anti—french protests taking place in niger. earlier i spoke with alexis akwagyiram, managing editor at the news website semafor africa. thank you for coming here. there is a lot of talk about. first, i want to start with this seven—day deadline given by this group of west african leaders to reinstate the democratic government there in niger. that deadline is set to expire in really a matter of hours now, coming up on sunday. what do you expect will happen when that deadline expires? i strongly expect that when the deadline expires, we won't see fireworks. there will probably be more efforts behind—the—scenes to pursue a diplomatic solution, because ultimately, ecowas does not want a full

leaders from the west african regional bloc, ecowas hold and uk homeware chain, wilko, collapses into administration, putting around 12,000 jobs at risk. signed for it. hello, i'm maryam moshiri. welcome to bbc news now, three hours of fast—moving news, interviews and reaction. we start in the us state of hawaii. the death toll from the wildfires in the us state of hawaii has now risen to at least 36 people. large parts of the tourist town of lahaina on the island of maui have been burned to the ground. firefighters are still trying to get the fires under control. there were reports some people had jumped into the ocean to escape the fast—moving flames. this is the aftermath of the wildfires. officials said it is still difficult to determine the true extent of the damage on maui, and have warned the death toll may rise. some of the people caught up players we just had the worst disaster i have ever seen. it's burnt to a crisp. it's like an apocalypse. woke up this morning and got on our phones temperatures of our house down to the slab, nothing but smoke. the winds picked up, i everyt

i think a sense of what ecowas is trying to do, the interrogations have returned to ecowas without anyrogress. this tells us that nothing has been made in terms of progress or persuading the justa to step down. the deadline is sunday to have the power over or to have use of force against them. we don't know how this is going to play out but it is going to be very bloody. the spokesman for ecowas said it was a very last option, that any military attack would be very significant because the leaders of the justa in other countries are saying any attack on new guinea would be an attack on them all. ecowas has to tread very carefully because it is a very tricky situation for everyone. amy: and the role of your country, nigeria, africa's most populous country, oil-rich nation, with is its threatening right now? olayinka: it is really interesting because niger is a very important ally to nigeria. as an ally, it is very keen not to lose in this fight because a substantial gain has been made in the last couple of years. they don't want these to be reversed. in case of the presence of nigeria, t

briefly, the i junto have stepped up their rhetoric against the west and against ecowas.er pressure and i think they are under pressure and i think that to be quite honest, they don't have many options really. but what it does prove is that they are taking a hardline position and that makes a military confrontation more likely. makes a military confrontation more likel . ., ~ i. , makes a military confrontation more likel . ., ~ , . now it's time for a look at today's sport. hello from the bbc sport centre. england have made history by reaching their first netball world cup final, after an extremely tight contest against the defending champions new zealand. the match was level after the first three quarters — the two sides hard to seperate in cape town. but it was england who pulled ahead in the final moments, the game finishing a6—a0. the roses will face eitherjamaica or australia in sunday's final. it's served us so well to be consistent. i don't mean boring consistent, i mean consistent bringing the fun and the character of the team as well as the studious nature we ha

so, what else can ecowas do aside from a military intervention? well, let's remember ecowas is not the only organisation trying to put pressure on the junta. we have seen they have done a lot in the last week in terms of imposing their own no—fly zone, so cutting off commercial flights into the country, they have imposed sanctions, so they are doing a lot already. we have seen nigeria cut off electricity supplies to niger. but let's remember the african union also has a role to play. it has threatened sanctions, it has threatened to suspend niger from the african union. then there's washington, france and other international powers that are suspending development assistance and could suspend military assistance to the country, so there is a lot more pressure that the international community can bring to bear on the situation in niger. i just want to ask about this warning from the ousted president, who says that the whole region could fall under russia's influence via the wagner group. can you talk us through what roles russia and france play in t

west african bloc ecowas has threatened to use military force if it isn't met.rs in nigeria, west africa's most powerful nation, are urging their government to pursue diplomatic rather than military options. niger's prime minister has been in paris saturday, meeting lawmakers and greeting protesters outside the nigerian embassy. he has dismissed pro—coup protests taking place in his country. earlier, i spoke with alexis akwagyiram, managing editor at the news website semafor africa. thank you for being here. there is a lot of talk about. first, i want to start with this seven—day deadline given by this group of west african leaders to reinstate the democratic government there in niger. that deadline is set to expire in really a matter of hours now, coming up on sunday. what do you expect will happen when that deadline expires? so i strongly expect that when the deadline expires, we won't see any fireworks. there will probably be more efforts behind the scenes to pursue a diplomatic solution, because ultimately, ecowas does not want a full—on conflict. it really

to reiterate what he was saying, there is a need for ecowas leaders to find some to move forward.ere? yes. riuht think? chris, are you there? yes. right now. _ think? chris, are you there? yes. right now. they _ think? chris, are you there? yes. right now, they are _ think? chris, are you there? yes. right now, they are in _ think? chris, are you there? yes. right now, they are in a - think? chris, are you there? fez; right now, they are in a closed—door session, but to underscore the importance of this meeting, we have also seen the president of burundi, the president of mauritania being part of those who have come from ecowas, including the president of ghana and c te d'ivoire. what they are looking at our how to actually achieve peace, notjust in niger, but in the subregion of west africa. there are many other observers and diplomats who are part of the meeting. the decision they are about to take today could mean that they will either bring about stability in the subregion, or could even take the subregion, or could even take the subregion, or could even take the subregion int

the announcement came after an emergency meeting of the west african regional bloc ecowas decided toin a coup last month. ecowas leaders says the use of force will be a last resort. 0ur correspondent chris ewoker filed this report. the heads of state have taken the heads of state have taken the decision to direct the mobilisation of the standby pause and also direct the military authorities in the subregion to deploy the standby force of the community. as to the financing, that has been discussed and appropriate measures are being taken. thank you. measures are being taken. thank ou. . , ., you. the decision was unexpected. - you. the decision was unexpected. the - you. the decision was l unexpected. the earlier decision by the ecowas leaders including military intervention including military intervention in niger heightened tensions. people were afraid and they suspected this time around ecowas was going to offer what many people see as the carrot and stick approach of diplomacy, dialogue. what it seems that is this time around, the ecowas leaders are planning to send a message that

the share of ecowas saying that ecowas would prefer a resolution that was obtained through diplomatiche deadline that they made it nine days ago that the coup leaders would destroy the elected president and they said if not, potentially there would be a military intervention and since then, an element of rolling back and perhaps moderating slightly different with frank was saying in terms of practicalities of any military intervention that they would prefer a resolution that was obtained through diplomatic and peaceful means that is the latest on that story. around the world and across the uk. this is bbc news. let's look at some other stories making news. nhs flu jabs and covid boosters, will be scrapped for under—65s this winter. 12 million people aged 50 to 64 who were eligible during the pandemic — can no longer get the free jabs. the rollout of boosters, is expected to start in october, a full month later than usual. a man has been arrested, after a stabbing — close to the british museum. the metropoliton police stress the incident is not terror related — with "no outstanding ris

west african bloc ecowas has threatened to use military force if it isn't met.n nigeria, west africa's most powerful nation, are urging their government to pursue diplomatic rather than military options. niger's prime minister has been in paris saturday, meeting lawmakers and greeting protestors outside the nigerien embassy. he has dismissed pro—coup protests taking place in his country. translation: sure, they make a lot of noise, but i can - assure you they don't represent national opinion in the country in question. with france, we had very good cooperation on the economic front and we also had very good cooperation on the military front — an operation which has, moreover, borne fruit in the fight against terrorists in the sahel. earlier, i spoke with alexis akwagyiram, managing editor at the news website semafor africa. alexis, thank you for being here. there is a lot of talk about. first of all, i want to start with this seven—day deadline given by this group of west african leaders to reinstate the democratic government there in niger. that deadline is set

ecowas is keen to avoid a costly war. some of the poorest countries in the world are in this region. it is plagued with insurgency which niger was a key ally in that fight. so it is not an easy decision to take military action, to put boots on the ground in a country like this, a region that could lead to protracted civil war. in nigeria for example which the president sununu is head of ecowas right now, northern part of nigeria is very close for niger. long ethnic ties. and they say any war on niger is a war against our brothers. we don't want it. so ecowas really has to pursue dialogue until the very last moment. and that is what they are doing. but they are clear that it may happen, this meeting of the defense chiefs later on today is to put a deployment plan into place. and it is very likely that we'll see military action in niger in the coming days perhaps weeks. >> stephanie busari, thank you so much. i think that context and that knowledge of your is so valuable to try to understand what is at stake here and also e

decides to do that. , , ., intervention if ecowas decides to do that. , ,, intervention if ecowas decidese in _ that. give your assessment on the presence in the _ that. give your assessment on the presence in the area _ that. give your assessment on the presence in the area of— that. give your assessment on the presence in the area of the - that. give your assessment on the | presence in the area of the wagner group and the consequences of that. currently, we cannot confirm if the wagner group forces are in niger but we know that they have had military operations in neighbouring burkina faso and mali where the co—leaders there have had support their following the breaking of military relations with france, theirformer colonial master. they have been in the region and the coup leaders believe they will help in curbing the islamist and jihadist operations. they have marred the region for decades, displacing millions of people and causing a humanitarian crisis in the region. we have this summit coming up on thursday and that will be vital in terms of the next crucial stage but if it was to

groups like ecowas have shown immense | like ecowas have shown immense leadership as this event has unfoldedshare the united states's mission in ultimate goal here which is the release of president mohamed bazoum and his family and the return to constitutional order and the recognition of the democratically elected government and president of the government of niger. so we will continue to be working closely with regional partners like ecowas as it relates to this. i will not speculate or get into hypotheticals, but we will continue to work closely with relevant partners on this. we have seen in the region burkina faso and mali saying that any use of intervention or force on the grounds intervention or force on the grounds in niger would be seen as a declaration of war against them. are you concerned, the state department, about the possibility that we could see a spill—over of violence from niger into the region? film; see a spill-over of violence from niger into the region?— see a spill-over of violence from niger into the region? any kind of attem ted niger into the region? any kind of att

ecowas, they have been made for the presidents in power and we do not need it.here -- whether they intervene or not, we are ready for all options. >> my children and i love these soldiers. i invite long -- invite young people to join the army. i make blessings for these soldiers. >> ecowas leaders have avoided taking military action to remove niger's rulers. they know and armed conflict could destabilize the region, something they want to avoid. pablo: the u.n. chief says a multinational force, including police and military units should be a ploy to haiti to combat arms to gangs who have overpowered the police force. they are estimated to have seized control of 80% of the capital. reporter: with just a few belongings they can carry, these families are trying to reach safety. gang violence in hades capital -- in haiti's capital is forcing them out and making them seek shelter. >> it wasn't the gang leaders who chased me out of my home. it was the haitian state to that chased me out of my home. and the haitian state that killed all of the people you see. because i

but the nigerian customs boss said border closure is in compliance with the ecowas resolutions.is peace. peace has been threatened. there are situations of instability such as looting in this place. if it happens in niger and it is not controlled it could have some kind of repercussions. across the border in niger state—run tv on monday urged people in niger to mobilise against threats to the country amid looming military action by ecowas. the statement focused on the need for citizens to reawaken their patriotic spirit in the wake of economic sanctions imposed by ecowas. neighbouring mali and burkina faso have showed solidarity to the coup leaders. they sent a junta delegation in support of the junta on monday. but the sanctions imposed on the country continue to take effect. the price of commodities have gone up and niger remains in darkness, cut off from electricity supply from nigeria. chris ewokor, bbc news, sokoto, at the border with niger. let's look at news in the uk. 15 asylum seekers have spent their first night on the uk government's controversial accommodation barge,

the military leaders there have not been willing to listen to ecowas so far.same time, we have defence chiefs from ecowas meeting in nigeria talking about possible military plans against the military leaders in niger. so this raises the fact that ecowas is probably trying to use a carrot and stick method here. have talks, have an important delegation go to meet the military in niger but also considering possible intervention. it in niger but also considering possible intervention.- possible intervention. it was remarkable _ possible intervention. it was remarkable for _ possible intervention. it was remarkable for many - possible intervention. it was remarkable for many people possible intervention. it was i remarkable for many people to possible intervention. it was - remarkable for many people to see members of civil society walking through the streets, holding signs that were supporting president putin. is it possible to know within niger itself how many people actually back the coup leaders. what we have seen is actually public support, protest demonstrati

it is the first time ecowas has threatened military force against a coup in the region.coup in burkina faso and mali happened in the past few years, ecowas enacted sanctions and other kinds but they did not threaten military force. now with ecowas threatening military force to reinstate the president and burkina faso and mali, which have these military-led governments. what they are saying is in solitary -- solidarity with the new military-led government in niger, we will step in and retaliate. it is a real threat and it is quite worrisome. one of the most important things to bear in mind is this is an incredibly impoverished region. 4.3 million people in niger alone are in need of humanitarian assistance. climate change has been a huge factor in impoverishing people and preventing them from pursuing livelihood, pushing them to nomadism and herding and farming the land has become increasingly arid. there are a lot of dynamics at play and the reasons that the conflict is happening. it is horrifying to think that this could devolve into a broader conflict between nations.