Niger’s new military dictator attacked the country’s neighbors and the world community in a nationally televised speech on Wednesday night, but he also urged the people to be ready to defend their country.

One of Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani’s few addresses to the West African nation since assuming power from Niger’s democratically elected president a week ago was a warning against foreign intervention and military action against the coup.

“Therefore, we appeal to the people of Niger collectively and their solidarity to vanquish all those who seek to bring intohuman agony upon our diligent populace and undermine our nation’s stability,” Tchiani continued.

Tchiani, in charge of Niger’s presidential guard, has promised to lay the foundation for a seamless election transition when President Mohamed

His remark comes as West African regional body ECOWAS threatens to use military force if Bazoum is not freed from house detention and restored by August 6.

ECOWAS has implemented harsh economic and travel penalties on Niger since the coup.

Western governments have fiercely criticised the coup, with many seeing Niger as the West’s only credible ally in the fight against jihadis connected to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group in Africa’s Sahel area.