Coup: It’ll be war – President Tinubu, ECOWAS told as Burkina Faso, Mali join forces with Niger

The military leaders in Burkina Faso and Mali has warned there would be war if military intervention is used to douse the tension in the West African state.

This was conveyed in a joint statement by both countries who are both by military-backed governments, followed a threat by West African Leaders.

Recall that the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, had during its emergency meeting in Abuja, Nigeria led by its Chairman President Bola Tinubu threathened military action against Niger's junta after the successful coup last week.

In the meeting, ECOWAS gave the junta seven days ultimatum to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, who is being held captive or face sanctions.

Angered by the threat, Burkina Faso and Mali in the statement read on their national broadcasts on Monday night, urged the West African leaders to leave Niger alone, stressing that any funny move would result in “disastrous consequences”.

Part of the statement reads, “The transitional governments of Burkina Faso and Mali express their fraternal solidarity… to the people of Niger, who have decided with full responsibility to take their destiny in hand and assume the fullness of their sovereignty before history.

“Any military intervention against Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali.”

Recall the coup in July 26 has sent shockwaves across West Africa.