We can't host ECOWAS because of safety risk - Niger junta

Mohamed Toumba (second from right) and other junta members hail coup supporters at a stadium in the capital at the weekend

Leaders of Niger's ruling military junta say they can't accept a high-level diplomatic visit because there would be a risk to the visitors' security.

Delegates from the regional grouping Ecowas, the African Union and the United Nations had been due to fly in today.

But the coup leaders told Ecowas that sanctions and the threat of invasion from the bloc had created public anger, so the delegation couldn't be hosted with calm and in security.

They added that Niger's land and air borders were closed.

Reports from the capital Niamey say many people have greeted the coup as a breath of fresh air, even though the toppled President, Mohamed Bazoum, was democratically elected.

Washington has warned there's a danger Russian Wagner mercenaries will take advantage of Niger's coup.

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