The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will stop existing if it invades Niger, Choguel Kokalla Maiga, the prime minister of Mali's transitional government, said on Monday.
"If ECOWAS starts a war in Niger, it will cease to exist," Maiga told Senegalese media.
Maiga believes that under the disguise of democratic values attempts are being made to sow discord among African countries.
"From the very beginning, the goal of some countries has been to destroy ECOWAS. They do not want African countries to unite," Maiga said.
A coup took place in Niger on July 26. President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted and detained by his own guard, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani. Following the coup, ECOWAS suspended all cooperation with Niger and threatened invasion if the putschists do not reinstate Bazoum.
ECOWAS member states Mali and Burkina Faso have opposed the invasion plan and pledged their support to Niger. On Friday, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Abdel-Fatau Musah said ECOWAS general staff chiefs had agreed on the date of Niger invasion but would not make it public.