The coup plotters in the Niger Republic have said they will not hesitate to kill Mohamed Bazoum, the ousted president if neighboring countries try any military intervention.
The Associated Press reported that the coup plotters told this to two Western military officials who craved anonymity after the Economics Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued to deploy its military to restore Niger’s unseated President
According to The AP report, representatives of the coup plotters informed the U.S. Under Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland of the threat to Bazoum during her visit to the country earlier this week.
Meanwhile, during ECOWAS Extraordinary meeting in Abuja on Thursday, August 10, 2023, the body directed the deployment of a “standby force” to restore democracy in Niger.
The regional bloc gave no details about the make-up, location, and proposed date of deployment for any military intervention force.
ECOWAS had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Niger military leaders to restore constitutional order in the West African country, instead, they went ahead to appoint a Prime Minister in a move that revealed their determination to set up a new government.
Recall, Bazoum has been held hostage at his residence since his removal from power in a July 26, 2023, coup led by Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani.
