“The African Union (AU) on Tuesday said it was suspending coup-hit Niger but called for a report into the implications of a threatened military operation to restore its ousted president, as Nigerien TV said 12 troops died in a new attack by suspected jihadists…
Niger’s armed forces, struggling with an eight-year jihadist campaign, have lost at least 29 men since officers toppled elected president Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.
The coup — justified by its leaders because of Bazoum’s perceived failure to stem the insurgents — triggered a bustup with France, Niger’s staunchest ally, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).”