Niger puts army on 'maximum alert'

Niger's military government under General Abdourahamane Tchiani has placed its armed forces on the highest level of alert. (Source: France24)

The order was issued in an internal document released by Niger's defense chief on August 25 and was confirmed by a security source in the country.

The document, widely shared online on August 26, said the order to put the military on maximum alert would allow forces to respond proportionately to any attack and “avoid a general state of surprise.”

The document also emphasized: “The threat of invasion of national territory is increasingly felt clearly.”

In late July, a group of officers from Niger's Presidential Guard staged a coup to overthrow President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup forces established the National Council for the Defense of the Fatherland, headed by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, to run the country.

Following the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions on Niger and is considering options to “restore constitutional order” in the country, including possible military intervention, but remains committed to finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis.