Tensions are running high in West Africa after the regional bloc ECOWAS ordered the activation of a “standby force” for possible intervention in Niger in response to the July 26 military coup. This is Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, speaking from yesterday’s emergency ECOWAS summit in Abuja.

President Bola Tinubu: “And you will see from the communiqué of this extraordinary summit that no option is taken off the table, including the use of force as the last resort. … We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Niger in their journey towards peaceful and democratic stability in the country.”

The Associated Press reports the Nigerien military coup leaders threatened to kill deposed President Mohamed Bazoum if any military action was attempted to restore his rule.

Meanwhile, The Intercept is reporting the U.S. has trained at least five members of the new ruling junta in Niger. The U.S. has since “paused” security assistance to Niger’s military. African officers trained by the U.S. military have now taken part in 11 coups in West Africa since 2008, including in Burkina Faso and Mali.