The negotiators appointed by the regional body Ecowas didn't meet the coup leader or the deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum.

Ecowas has imposed sanctions on Niger and has threatened to use force if Mr Bazoum is not reinstated.

He has urged the rest of the world to help restore constitutional order.

Mr Bazoum warned that the entire Sahel region could fall under Russian influence.

Late on Thursday the coup leaders in Niger criticised all military agreements with France. French troops are in the country to fight Islamist extremists.