West African military chiefs met to discuss a possible armed intervention to reverse a coup in Niger. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has agreed to activate a standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger and is demanding the release of President Mohamed Bazoum. Germany has called for EU sanctions against the coup leaders, and Russia and the United States have urged a diplomatic solution. ECOWAS has already applied trade and financial sanctions, while France, Germany, and the United States have suspended aid programs. The crisis has worsened food insecurity in Niger, prompting the United Nations to call for humanitarian exemptions to sanctions and border closures.

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