The West African bloc ECOWAS says it is keeping sanctions on Niger's military regime imposed after a July coup, saying progress on a transition to civilian rule is needed to ease the measures. The President of the Ecowas Commission Omar Alieu Touray also calls on the CNSP (National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland) "to release President Mohammed Bazoum, his family and associates immediately and without condition." IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES