#meanwhile ...in Niger 🇳🇪📍

- Coup leaders ignored a deadline by West African regional bloc to reinstate the ousted president.

- Country has shut its airspace and deployed troops to strategic areas, including border regions.

- Niger's rulers say armed forces and the population are 'ready to defend the integrity' of the country.

- Rulers in Burkina Faso and Mali have promised to come to the aid of Niger in case of a military intervention.

- French minister says there is an 'extraordinary alignment' between Western nations to condemn what has happened in Niger.

- Niger has deployed additional troops on borders with Nigeria and Benin.

- Niger coup leaders call on people to get ready to defend the homeland

- Niger has closed its airspace

- The ultimatum deadline set by West Africa's regional bloc ECOWAS for 🇳🇪 Niger's coup leaders to reinstate the president has expired.

- 🇳🇬 Nigeria's Senate has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against a military intervention in Niger, urging continuing diplomatic efforts.
- Niger's rulers say foreign powers are preparing a military intervention