Russia’s foreign ministry released a statement on Friday warning ECOWAS and other West African countries not to send soldiers into Niger for a military invasion to combat the country’s military juntas.

“We believe that a military solution to the Niger crisis could lead to a protracted confrontation in that African country, as well as a sharp destabilisation of the situation in the Sahara-Sahel region as a whole,” it said.

According to rumors, ECOWAS military leaders will gather on Saturday to plan for a military intervention.

The regional bloc has stated that it is still open to finding a diplomatic solution to the problem, but Nigerian President Bola Tinubu stated on Thursday that “no option is off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.”

The West African group ECOWAS approved a “standby force” in reaction to the military takeover in Niger on Friday, and the president of Ivory Coast warned it may be sent “as soon as possible.”

The United States has backed efforts to reinstall Niger’s overthrown president, Mohamed Bazoum.

Protesters for the coup, some carrying Russian flags, gathered at a French military post near the city.

Although Moscow has not publicly supported the coup, the breakdown of Niger’s democracy risks placing Russia and the West in a proxy war.

Both France and the United States maintain military facilities in Niger, which have been used to begin operations against Islamist organisations operating in the region.

Supporters of the military junta have urged Western nations to leave the country and have expressed support for Russia.

Protesters chanted “Down with France, down with Ecowas” outside a French facility on the outskirts of Niamey on Friday.

According to AFP, several were brandishing Russian flags and expressed support for Abdourahamane Tiani, the general who is currently in charge of the country.