Burkina Faso and Mali warn attack on Niger will be a 'declaration of war'

Burkina Faso and Mali, both under military-led governments have announced that any attempt to reinstate Niger’s former President Mohamed Bazoum with the use of force would be treated as a "declaration of war".

The warnings by Burkina Faso and Mali come after West African leaders, backed by Western partners, imposed financial sanctions on Niger and pushed for the potential use of "force" to restore democratically elected Bazoum.

In a joint communique on Monday evening, both Burkina Faso and Mali said any military involvement against Niger "would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali".

They added the use of military force could lead to "disastrous consequences" and would potentially "destabilise” the whole region.

Both nations also strongly pushed back against the "illegal, illegitimate and inhumane sanctions" they said impacts citizens and authorities in Niger.

Guinea’s President Mamady Doumbouya, who also assumed power in a coup, has also publicly pushed back against sanctions

Statements from Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea’s came as Niger’s military has reportedly tightened its grip on power by detaining former officials from the previous administration.

Bazoum, who is reportedly confined in his home in the capital, Niamey, is widely considered close to Western capitals. He was elected to power over two years ago, marking a peaceful transition to power until he was deposed on July 26 by the military.

In the aftermath, General Abdourahamane Tiani declared himself as Niger's new leader.

Nevertheless, his leadership has not been comprehensively recognised by the international community and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Niger’s military-led junta has denounced the deposed government for what it allegedly considers poor governance and inability to deal with terrorist groups tied to Al Qaeda and Daesh.

On Sunday amid an emergency summit, the ECOWAS, an economic bloc of West African states pushed for Bazoum to be restored to power in a week’s time.

The bloc noted that failure to do so would result in "all measures" being on the table, including the use of force to bring back the constitutional order.

ECOWAS has also imposed economic sanctions on the nation and the coup leaders, having frozen its commercial and financial transactions among member states and Niger.

Western and African Partners are pushing hard for those involved in the July 26 coup to restore constitutional order quickly

On Monday, Niger's junta alleged that France was agitating for a military intervention. The allegation was vehemently denied by French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.

France's President Emmanuel Macron pledged strong actions if the country's citizens or interests were hurt in Niger.

Meanwhile, Russia is pushing for the "rule of law" to return and for "restraint" among all sides.

However, Wagner Group, a private mercenary organisation originating from Russia claimed the former colonisers are attempting to keep African people "in check".

The coup in Niger marks the seventh military overthrow in less than three years in West and Central Africa.