Niger Military Rulers Heighten Anxiety with 'Highest Alert' Order

The military rulers in Niger have ordered their armed forces to go on maximum alert due to an increased threat of attack, according to an internal document issued by the country's defence chief. The order aims to ensure that forces can respond adequately and avoid any surprises in case of an attack. The junta's action comes amid discussions of a potential use of force by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The military government in Niger has also denied reports that it ordered the expulsion of German, US, and Nigerian ambassadors, stating that only the French ambassador was asked to leave. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his commitment to a peaceful resolution as the chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States.