ECOWAS maintains sanctions on Niger over detention of deposed president

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders on Sunday kept sanctions imposed on Niger after a July military coup and said they would need to see progress towards a transition to civilian rule before easing the measures. The lifting of sanctions is also contingent on the release of ousted Niger president Mohamed Bazoum, ECOWAS said. « Sierra Leone, Benin and Togo are now in charge of negotiations between the military junta and ECOWAS, » FRANCE 24’s correspondent Harold Girard said.