Leader of the recent military coup in Niger has strongly criticized the sanctions imposed on the country by the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, labeling them as "illegitimate, unfair, and lacking compassion."

General Abdourahamane Tchiani firmly asserted that his administration would not succumb to regional or international pressures to reinstate Niger's elected President, Mohammed Bazoum.

During a televised address, General Tchiani also reassured that French citizens had no reason to be alarmed.

Following an attack on its embassy in Niamey by demonstrators on Sunday, Paris confirmed the successful evacuation of nearly 1,000 individuals, including 560 French nationals.

Late on Wednesday, the US State Department announced a partial evacuation of its embassy in Niger, urging non-essential staff and their families to depart.

In an effort to mediate with the coup leaders, an Ecowas delegation led by Nigeria's former military head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has arrived in Niamey, the capital of Niger. Concurrently, West African military leaders have convened in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, for discussions.

Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the spokesperson for Nigeria's military defense, informed the BBC that they view a military resolution as the final resort.

The presentation of their military strategy is scheduled for Friday, to be showcased before the heads of state of Ecowas.

Subsequently, these leaders will determine the subsequent steps to be taken by the regional bloc concerning Niger.