ECOWAS threaten Nigerien “D-day”: The ECOWAS group of West African nations has agreed on a timing for a potential invasion of Niger as it looks to overthrow the junta that seized power last month, Reuters reports. A coalition of military forces are “ready to go anytime the order is given,” a top official from the regional bloc said at a presser yesterday. “The D-day is also decided, which we are not going to disclose.”

Remember: Niger’s democratically-elected president Mohamed Bazoum was deposed in a military coup led by the head of his presidential guard last month.

Last ditch talks: An ECOWAS delegation traveled to the Nigerien capital yesterday to hold talks with coup leader General Abdourahmane Tiani and meet with Bazoum. In a televised address yesterday, Tiani said he remains open to dialogue and does not want war. ECOWAS have warned that it will intervene militarily should talks fail.

Also worth knowing this morning:

  • Lebanon is about to join the EastMed gas rush: TotalEnergies plans to begin exploring for oil and gas off the Lebanese coast later this month after a drilling rig arrived in the country on Wednesday. (Reuters)
  • Tech-xodus from Israel: A growing number of Israeli tech startups are setting up in the US in response to the political turmoil caused by the judicial overhaul being pushed by the country’s far-right government. (Reuters)
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