US sees narrow opportunity to reverse course in Niger after coup

Demonstrators gather in support of the putschist soldiers in the capital Niamey, Niger July 30, 2023. Signs read: "Long live Niger, long live Russia", "France must leave". REUTERS/Balima Boureima/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - There is a narrow opportunity to reverse last week's military takeover in Niger and U.S. diplomatic and military posture there will depend on whether the democratically elected government is reinstated in the coming days and week, a senior U.S. official said on Monday.

The U.S. has condemned the junta's overthrow of elected President Mohamed Bazoum - the seventh military takeover in less than three years in West and Central Africa - which has raised fears for the security of the surrounding Sahel region.