Tens of thousands of supporters of Niger's military government hold gathering in capital Niamey.

Niger has given France's ambassador to Niamey 48 hours to leave the country.

Niger allows Mali and Burkina Faso to intervene militarily in case of an attack on its soil.

Algeria has denied a request by France to use its airspace for conducting a military operation in crisis-hit Niger.

The situation remains volatile in Niger.

What the coup in Niger and other African countries in recent years have in common is they were directed against the corrupt ruling establishments and the destructive policies of France and the US.

In this week's program, we focus on the events in Niger after the July 26 coup that apparently has the support of the country's masses.

Thousands rally in the Nigerien capital in support of the country's coup leaders, slamming meddlesome positions of France and West Africa's major regional bloc.

Niger's coup leader says the country is open to dialogue, but it is also prepared to defend itself if needed.

Nigeria's leading Muslim scholar Sheikh Ibrahim al-Zakzaky vows that US and France may be plotting to sow discord between Nigeria and Niger following the recent coup in Niamey.