Niger’s junta-appointed civilian prime minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, and two other members of the ruling military council visited Chad on Tuesday for talks with interim President Gen Mahamat Idriss Déby.

Mr Zeine, who has emerged as the diplomatic face of the military government, said his country was now under a “transitional” government and reiterated the junta’s readiness for talks.

However, he said the junta would only talk to “partners” who respect his country’s sovereignty.

Chadian President Déby has made efforts to mediate between the Niger junta and the deposed government of President Mohamed Bazoum.

Chad has also said it would not participate in any military action against the Niger coup leaders.

Meanwhile, the army chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) will meet in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, on Thursday and Friday to discuss the situation in Niger.

The military chiefs are reportedly meeting to work out a plan for military intervention in Niger to return Mr Bazoum to power.