Mali and Burkina Faso have deployed war-planes in Niger Republic following earlier threat of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) troops to strike after ultimatum.
The regional bloc had given Niger junta a week ultimatum to re-instate President Mohamed Bazoum or face possible sanctions, including possible military action.
The coupists had called the bluff of ECOWAS and vowed to resist foreign intervention.
Subsequently, ECOWAS Defence Chiefs were ordered to activate the region’s force for action to restore civil rule in Niger.
Burkina Faso and Mali warned that any military intervention in Niger will be considered a declaration of war against them.
The governments of Burkina Faso and Mali have stated that, “The disastrous consequences of a military intervention in Niger could destabilise the entire region”.
This comes as a delegation from ECOWAS arrived in Niger Republic for talks with the military officers who have seized power.
A delegation led by former Nigerian military leader, General Abdulsalami Abubakar landed in the capital, Niamey on Saturday ahead of talks to return the country to democratic rule.
The ECOWAS representatives however is said to send a message of firmness to the army officers and meet Bazoum.
Meanwhile, Niamey television station said the military leaders from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger convened in Niamey to decide on concrete measures which included deployment of warplanes in case ECOWAS chooses to escalate a war.
