The governments of Burkina Faso and Mali have warned against military intervention in their coup-hit neighbour, Niger.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that in a joint statement, the two countries, which are both ruled by military-backed governments, said that any military intervention in Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against them.
The warning came after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened military action against Niger’s junta if it did not reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown in a coup last week.
ECOWAS gave the junta seven days to comply with its demands or face sanctions.
Reacting, the Burkina Faso and Mali governments said that they “express their fraternal solidarity” to the people of Niger and that they “urge the West African leaders to leave Niger alone.”
They warned that any military intervention would “result in disastrous consequences.”
Niger’s coup leaders named General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former presidential guard chief, as Head of State.
According to the military, President Bazoum was overthrown over poor governance and discontent with the way he handled security threats from groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
