Coup: “We’ll kill Bazoum if military intervenes” – Niger junta threatens

West African leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been slammed with a fresh threat.

Niger’s military junta, Général Abdourahmane Tchiani has said they would kill deposed President Mohamed Bazoum if neighboring countries attempt any military intervention to restore constitutional order in the West African country, Associated Press reported.

Daily Mail quoted two Western officials as disclosing this to a top U.S. diplomat.

This is coming a few hours after ECOWAS ordered the chief of defense staff committee to immediately activate its standby force.

U.S. Officials Speak on Niger Junta’s threat after ECOWAS sanctions

According to Daily Mail, a Western military official said representatives of the junta told the U.S. Under Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, of the threat to Bazoum during her visit to the country this week.

The Associated Press reported that a U.S. official confirmed that account, also speaking on condition of anonymity, because they were not authorised to speak to the media.