Coup leader declares himself leader of Niger

US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, has spoken to the ousted leader of Niger by telephone, offering him "unflagging" support. The State Department said Mr Blinken told Niger's elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, that Washington would work to ensure a full return to constitutional order. Mr Bazoum has been confined to the presidential palace since Wednesday.

Also on the programme: Former US President Donald Trump tells supporters he's the only candidate who can win next year's election; and Israel passes part of a package of reforms that will limit the Supreme Court's powers.

Weekend's Julian Worricker is joined by Katia Glod, an analyst specialising in Russia and Central Europe at the European Leadership Network think-tank in London; and Sune Engel Rasmussen, a London-based correspondent for the Wall Street Journal newspaper.

(Picture: General Abdourahmane Tiani, who was declared as the new head of state of Niger by leaders of a coup, arrives to meet with ministers. CREDIT: REUTERS/Balima Boureima)