Niger Junta threatens to kill ousted President if neighbors intervene

Niger President Mohamed Bazoum is pictured at the presidential palace in Niamey, Niger, March 16, 2023. [AP Photo]

Niger's junta threatened to kill ousted President Mohamed Bazoum if neighboring countries attempt any military intervention to restore his rule, two Western officials said.

Representatives of the junta reportedly told U.S. Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland during her visit to the country this week that they would kill Bazoum if a foreign intervention was attempted, a Western military official told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.