According to a statement read on national television on Monday, Niger's Military Council accused France of planning to stage a "military intervention" to restore President Mohamed Bazoum to his duties.
The council warned against any external attempts to free Bazoum, emphasizing that such efforts would lead to bloodshed and chaos.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron threatened to respond "immediately and forcefully" to any attack targeting French citizens and interests in Niger.
The Kremlin called for "all parties to show restraint" and to return to "legitimacy" in Niger. West African countries gave the military group in Niger a week to restore constitutional order, imposing an economic blockade and confirming that they do not rule out the "use of force."
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