Niger coup: US envoy holds 'difficult' talks with junta

A senior US official has held face-to-face talks with Niger's military leaders following last month's coup.

Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland said the conversations had been "extremely frank and at times quite difficult".

Washington has said the coup can still be ended diplomatically and President Mohamed Bazoum reinstated, but has suspended aid payments in the meantime.

West African countries are set to meet on Thursday to discuss the crisis. read more