Emmanuel Macron condemns Niger coup d'etat in 'strongest possible terms'

French President Emmanuel Macron describes a coup that ousted Niger's elected leader as "dangerous" for the Sahel, as Western powers scramble to preserve a key ally in the insurgent-stricken region.

"This coup is completely illegitimate and highly dangerous, for Nigeriens, for Niger and for the whole region," Macron says.

Bazoum has been confined to his residence since Wednesday by his own presidential guard.