[UPDATE-Aug 12-20:30Z] Niger New Government Proclaimed, Junta Meets With Nigerian Envoys, Raising Hopes of Dialog

ECOWAS agrees to begin operation in Niger as soon as possible, asserts Cote d’Ivoire leader Leaders of member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have agreed to begin a military operation in Niger as soon as possible, the president of Cote d’Ivoire said on Thursday upon his return from the organization’s summit in Abuja, Nigeria. “Chiefs of staffs will hold a few more meetings to finalize the details, but there is consent among [ECOWAS] leaders to begin the operation as soon as possible,” AFP quoted Alassane Ouattara as saying. Rebels in Niger threaten to kill deposed…