The leaders of the recent coup in Niger Republic have threatened to kill ousted President Mohamed Bazoum should ECOWAS attempt a military intervention.
This is after the regional coalition resolved on Thursday to deploy all necessary means to restore the ousted president.
According to the Associated Press, the threat to kill Bazoum was disclosed to Victoria Nuland, the US Under Secretary of State, during her visit to the country this week.
Also, an anonymous US official whose identity wasn't revealed because of the sensitive nature of the information has confirmed the authenticity of the report.
As concerns mount, ECOWAS doubled down on its decision to restore democracy.
In a communique issued on Thursday, the bloc condemned the hostage situation involving President Bazoum and held the military government in Niger responsible for his safety, that of his family, and the democratically elected administration.
ECOWAS also directed its commission president to oversee the implementation of sanctions against Niger and ordered the immediate activation of a standby force.
Bazoum was ousted in a bloodless coup on 26 July.
The Niger junta has since formed a cabinet to oversee the nation’s affairs.
