“Neither the military junta nor the people of Niger want war and remain open to dialogue”.

The West African diplomatic mission arrived in Niger a day after issuing an ultimatum to the military leaders to reinstate the pro-Western president.

The African continent has been rocked by yet another coup d’état, this time in Niger. Many across the West African nation have denounced the coup while numerous others have supported what they describe as the end of colonialism.

The impoverished country lies in the heart of the Sahel, which has become badly destabilized by militancy.

A court in Niger has sentenced 17 members of the violent extremist movement Boko Haram to between two and seven years in jail.

Authorities said one protester died after a fall which was not linked to police action.

Nigerien authorities arrest nine military officers for an alleged coup plot.