"The head of the country instructed them [religious leaders] to explain everything that we would like to see in the coming days, that is, the lifting of these measures, which are inhumane ... and unacceptable," Zeine was quoted as saying by the RTN broadcaster.
He also noted that the new authorities in Niger are open to mediation efforts to normalize the situation.
A coup took place in Niger on July 26. President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted and detained by his own guard, led by Tchiani. The caretaker National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland closed the country's borders, ignoring security agreements with France, its former colonizer.
Following the coup, the Economic Community of West African Nations (ECOWAS) suspended all financial aid to Niger, froze rebels' assets and imposed a ban on commercial flights to and from the country, as well as closed all borders. The organization also gave the coup leaders one week to reinstate Bazoum and restore order, hinting that it would resort to military intervention otherwise. Its ultimatum expired this past Sunday.
On Thursday, the organization, after a second emergency summit, announced the activation of a multinational standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger. France and the United States have expressed support for ECOWAS' decision.