"Niger Reopens Borders with Neighbours Following Coup"

Niger has reopened its borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Libya, and Chad a week after a coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power. The coup has been condemned by foreign powers and raised concerns about a wider conflict in the Sahel region. The borders that have reopened are mainly in remote desert areas, while key entryways for trade and commerce remain closed due to regional bloc restrictions. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has threatened to use force if Bazoum is not reinstated, leading to divisions within the regional bloc. Defence chiefs from ECOWAS are set to discuss the situation in Niger, and a delegation from the bloc is expected to start talks with the military government. Foreign troops have started to leave, but concerns about the safety of soldiers and the potential for Western military intervention have been raised.