ECOWAS, global community won’t tolerate threats to democracy, says Tinubu

<p>* President sends ECOWAS mission to Niger Republic * U.S. urges release of Bazoum, says no evacuation of Americans for now</p>, <p>President Bola Tinubu has rejected a reported coup attempt in neighbouring Niger Republic, saying leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the global community will not tolerate threats to democracy. Reports filtered out of Niamey yesterday that the President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, had been seized by his presidential guards, with the presidential palace cordoned off by military vehicles.</p>, <p>One unnamed source told AFP the move was a “fit of temper” by troops. Reports had said the immediate former president, Mohammed Issoufou, and other former leaders were involved in talks to stop the situation from escalating, but it is not clear if those talks are still taking place.</p>