(Security): Benin pledges Support for ECOWAS over Niger

Benin has insisted that diplomacy is the preferred solution to managing the crisis caused by the military coup in Niger.

The country's foreign minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, told reporters his country was demanding the immediate release and reinstatement of President Bazoum.

Bakari also pledged his full support for efforts by the west African bloc ECOWAS to resolve the ongoing crisis.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is chaired by Nigeria, has imposed tough sanctions on Niamey but also sent a delegation to meet junta representatives to reinforce its position.

Several West African states, including Senegal, have pledged to send in troops if the bloc decides to intervene.

ECOWAS states' general chiefs of staff met in Abuja Friday to discuss Niger while several West African states, including Senegal, have pledged to send in troops should the bloc intervene.

Coup leaders have promised to counter such a move.

Niger's neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, both ruled by army juntas following coups in the past three years and both currently suspended from ECOWAS, have offered backing to Niamey's military leaders.

Both states have also warned they would consider an armed intervention a "declaration of war."

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