The drift experienced by the African country of Niger after the military coup It is provoking reactions from leaders around the world, as well as from neighboring countries, who want to intervene militarily. Something that has provoked a threat from the board, which has retained the deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum.

As revealed by the North American agency Associated Pressthe military group assured a senior US diplomat that would kill Bazoum if neighboring countries attempted military intervention to restore his government.

That reaction came just after the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEA) said that had ordered the deployment of a “reserve force” to restore democracy in Niger, after Sunday’s deadline to reinstate Bazoum expired.

The threat to the ousted president raises the stakes for both ECOWAS and the junta, which has shown a willingness to step up its actions since taking power on July 26. The African Union (AU) has shown this Friday its “forceful” support for the initiative of this alliance to act “immediately” and has asked the coup junta to “reduce the tension.

US and Europe call for immediate and unconditional release

The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinkensaid Thursday that his country has “made it clear” to Niger’s military leaders that will attribute to them the responsibility of “the safety and well-being” deposed president Mohamed Bazoum.

Blinken assured in a press conference that he himself has had the opportunity to speak with Bazoum half a dozen times, the last one last Tuesday, after the president of Niger was deposed by the military at the end of July.

For his part, Josep BorrellHigh Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy, has also denounced the deterioration of the situation of Bazoum, and has again demanded his release. Detained since July 26, Bazoum and his entourage have seen how in recent days they have been deprived of food, electricity and health care.

“The EU reiterates its deep concern about the deterioration of the conditions in the detention of President Bazoum, and his family,” said the head of European diplomacy in a message on social networks.