The Niger Republic military junta has threatened to kill deposed president Mohamed Bazoum, if the Economic Community of West African States attempt any military intervention to restore democracy in the country.

ECOWAS, Heads of State and Government had on Thursday ordered immediate deployment of a standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger Republic.

The ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) is a standby arrangement made up of military, police and civilian components which is consistent with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter which provides for regional peace and security arrangements.

The sub-regional body called on partner countries including the United Nations to support its decision.

But the junta told a top United States diplomat yesterday that they would kill deposed President, Bazoum, if ECOWAS countries attempted any military intervention to restore his rule.

This is coming few hours after the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, warned against military intervention in Niger.

The Niger Republic military junta earlier formed a cabinet, Mahamane Roufai Laouali, who is cited as ‘secretary general of the government’ read out the names of 21 ministers in a television broadcast.

ECOWAS had given the junta a seven-day deadline to reinstate ousted Bazoum or face intervention of whatever form.

There has been doubt regarding the bloc’s potential military action to restore democracy in the country ever since the ECOWAS deadline expired on Sunday.