"Niger Junta Open to Peace Talks Amid International Pressure"

Niger's junta, which seized power in a military coup last month, has expressed openness to talks to resolve the regional crisis caused by the coup, while Russia and the United States have called for a peaceful resolution. Western powers and African governments have demanded the reinstatement of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, but the military leaders have rejected negotiations. West African army chiefs will meet to prepare for a possible military intervention if diplomacy fails. Any intervention could further destabilize the Sahel region, which is already plagued by insurgency and hunger crises. Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution, while the US expressed commitment to a diplomatic solution. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has threatened military intervention if diplomacy fails, and it has the support of Central Africa's regional bloc ECCAS. Russian influence in the region has grown, while Western influence has waned, with military leaders in Mali and Burkina Faso strengthening ties with Moscow.