The military troops will be on alert, Barmou said in response to a possible external war operation to restore President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted by CNSP on July 26.

Security and the poor economic and social governance have deteriorated, the general assessed after the armed forces announced their support for Abdourahamane Tchiani, former chief of the Nigerien presidential guard, local media reported.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued an ultimatum on August 6 to reinstate the ousted Nigerian president within a week. The CNSP said on Friday that it would allow troops from Burkina Faso and Mali to enter its territory.

Several countries, including ECOWAS members, have rejected the coup d’etat and have imposed sanctions on the country, which is rich in uranium and gold, the exploitation of which has been largely controlled by France.

On Saturday, the Nigerien junta, led by General Tchiani, defended French Ambassador Sylvain Itte’s expulsion within 48 hours.

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Affairs gives us the right to decree such an expulsion, Tchiani said in the face of France’s claims that only Bazoum, whom it recognizes as the only legitimate president of Niger, has the power to make such a decision.

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