Burkina Faso and Mali issued a joint warning against any military intervention in Niger to restore deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, stating it would be seen as a “declaration of war” against their countries.

This response came after West African leaders, backed by Western partners, threatened to use force to reinstate the democratically elected Bazoum and imposed financial sanctions on the putschists.

The country’s external reserves also suffered a decline of $167.2 million in July, contributing to the further depreciation of the naira against the dollar.

Niger’s junta accused France of seeking military intervention to reinstate Bazoum, which France denied.

However, France pledged immediate action in case of attacks on French citizens or interests.

Niger, a key ally in the fight against Sahel region jihadists, is facing pressure to restore constitutional order after the recent coup.