Niger's two neighboring countries have stated that "military intervention is a declaration of war" military | Niger | neighboring countries
According to Agence France Presse, the governments of Burkina Faso and Mali issued a joint statement on July 31, stating that any military intervention in Niger would be considered a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali.
The report points out that Burkina Faso and Mali are neighboring countries of Niger. Before the two countries made this statement, West African leaders threatened to use "force" to restore the power of Niger's overthrown President Mohammad Bazum.
In addition, according to the Russian Sputnik News Agency, the joint statement of Burkina Faso and Mali also said that if Niger was subject to external military intervention, the two countries would withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States.
The joint statement stated: "The transitional governments of Burkina Faso and Mali... warn that any military intervention in Niger will lead to the withdrawal of both countries from the Western Community and the adoption of legal defense measures to support the armed forces and people of Niger."
On July 26th, some members of the Niger Presidential Guard detained Bazum. Late that night, representatives of the coup soldiers announced on Nepal's national television station the establishment of the National Committee for Defending the Motherland, lifting President Bazum's authority and allowing the military regime to take over national affairs.
On July 30th, leaders of the Western Community held an emergency meeting in the Nigerian capital Abuja, demanding that Niger's coup soldiers release the detained Bazum within a week and restore his presidential powers.
After the meeting, the leaders of the Western Community issued a joint statement stating that if the relevant requirements are not met within a week, the Community will take all measures, including military intervention, to ensure the restoration of constitutional order in Niger.
The statement also stated that the leaders of the Western Community unanimously agreed to immediately impose sanctions on Niger and Nigerian soldiers involved in the coup.
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Accused of planning military intervention? France denies
According to Agence France Presse, French Foreign Minister Catherine Corona denied on July 31 the Niger military government's claim that France is planning military intervention in the country.
Earlier on the 31st, Nigerian coup soldiers accused France of preparing for military intervention in Niger. They told the media that France, with the cooperation of some Nigerians, held a meeting with the Chief of Staff of the Niger National Guard to obtain the necessary political and military authorization.
Cologner told French commercial FM television that the allegations made by Niger's coup soldiers are "not true". She also stated that it is still possible to restore the authority of the overthrown President of Niger, Mohammad Bazum.
Cologner said, "And this is necessary because this unstable state is very dangerous for Niger and its neighboring countries."
On July 26th, some members of the Niger Presidential Guard detained Bazum. Late that night, representatives of the coup soldiers announced on Nepal's national television station the establishment of the National Committee for Defending the Motherland, lifting President Bazum's authority and allowing the military regime to take over national affairs.
On July 30th, thousands of protesters who supported the coup gathered in front of the French embassy in the capital Niamey. Some people wanted to enter the embassy, while others took off the plaque of the French Embassy in Niger and stomped on it with their feet. These people were subsequently dispersed by tear gas.
France subsequently issued a warning that if its citizens were attacked, it would retaliate.
The Office of the French President said, "If someone attacks French citizens, military, diplomats, and French interests, they will see France immediately respond mercilessly." The Office also said that French President Macron "will not tolerate any attacks against France and its interests.".
