Niger coup: Military intervention considered

Military chiefs from the West African regional bloc Ecowas are meeting to discuss the deployment of a standby force for possible military intervention to restore democracy in Niger.

The gathering is taking place on Thursday and Friday in the Ghanaian capital, Accra.

At least 11 of the bloc's 15 member states back a military deployment to reinstate the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, after diplomatic efforts failed to yield any positive result.

Niger's coup leaders have warned they will defend themselves against any intervention