Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Mali, three West African countries, have supported the coup leaders in Niger while threatening war with ECOWAS.

On Monday, Mali and Burkina Faso warned ECOWAS against any additional involvement that would “threaten the spirit of Pan-Africanism” and threatened to leave the regional organization.

The nations further said that any military action taken against Niger would force them to adopt “self-defence measures” in support of Niger’s “brotherly” armed forces and populace.

The nations voiced their support for the Nigerien people, who “have decided in full responsibility to take their destiny into their own hands and to assume before history the fullness of their sovereignty,” according to the statement.

“The Transitional Governments of Burkina Faso and Mali are deeply incensed and surprised by the contrast observed between, on the one hand, the promptitude and daring attitude of some West African political leaders who wish to use force armed forces to restore constitutional order in a sovereign country, and, on the other hand, the inaction, indifference, and passive complicity of these organizations and political leaders in aiding states and peoples who have suffered,” reads a statement from the Transitional

“In any case, the Transitional Governments of Burkina Faso and Mali call on the living forces to be ready and mobilised to assist the people of Niger during these dark days of Pan-Africanism.”

The president of Guinea, Mamady Doumbouya, declared that the current problem cannot be resolved by ECOWAS sanctions, including military action.

He continued by claiming that the sanctions would result in a humanitarian catastrophe with ramifications that would go beyond Niger.

In a statement released on Monday, Doumbouya affirmed Guinea’s staunch support for Niger and lauded the military’s efforts.

The head of state went on to say that “the sanctions imposed and threats made at the July 30 summit do not in any way commit the Republic of Guinea” and urged ECOWAS to “return to better feelings.”