In a concerning development, the military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea have expressed their backing for the coup in Niger.

In a joint statement on Monday, Burkina Faso and Mali warned that any military intervention against Niamey would be treated as a declaration of war against their nations. They cautioned that such an action could lead to disastrous consequences and destabilize the entire region. The warning was broadcast on their national media outlets following ECOWAS’s threat to use force to restore Niger’s deposed President Mohamed Bazoum if the coup plotters did not comply within seven days.

Both Burkina Faso and Mali expressed their solidarity with the people of Niger, acknowledging their decision to take control of their destiny and sovereignty. They rejected the imposed sanctions on Niger, considering them illegal, illegitimate, and inhumane, and stated that they would not apply them.

In Guinea, the National Committee of the Rally for Development (CNRD) expressed strong support for the people of Niger, highlighting the importance of Pan-African values dear to Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, the country’s Head of State. Guinea dissociated itself from the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS.

Meanwhile, the coup leaders in Niger have arrested several top officials of the toppled government, including the mines minister, oil minister, and head of the ruling party, as well as the interior minister, transport minister, and a former defense minister. The coup leaders cited poor governance and dissatisfaction with President Mohamed Bazoum’s handling of security threats from al-Qaeda and ISIL-linked groups as their reasons for overthrowing him.