EU says there is still room for mediation in Niger but junta turns away ECOWAS negotiating mission

The European Union has suspended all activities with Niger, including financial assistance, and civilian and security cooperation.

Transcript

00:00 Life is returning to normal in Niger's capital Niamey two days after the end of an ultimatum

00:05 from West African regional group ECOWAS to restore the democratically elected government.

00:10 But politically things remain uncertain.

00:13 The coup leaders have named a new prime minister.

00:15 But the international community isn't ready to move on.

00:19 On Tuesday, Brussels stressed that it won't work with what it calls the illegitimate authorities

00:24 in Niger and is still pushing for diplomacy.

00:27 One thing is certain, there will be no positive consequences if this military coup is allowed

00:32 to proceed and be established as a fact on the ground.

00:35 We still believe that there is a space, there is a room for mediation efforts.

00:39 ECOWAS is the main actor, the main regional actor in this.

00:42 Whatever ECOWAS decides will then be implemented.

00:46 But leaders of the junta in Niger have refused to receive a negotiating mission from the

00:51 United Nations, ECOWAS and the African Union.

00:54 Citing security concerns, ECOWAS is due to meet on Thursday to discuss next steps.

00:59 (whooshing)