By Becky Usman

Mali and Burkina Faso issued a joint statement expressing support for the coup in Niger. They warned that any military intervention aimed at restoring deposed President Mohamed Bazoum would be considered a “declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali.” This statement comes in response to West African leaders’ threat of using “force” to reinstate Bazoum. (Note: The story was produced by AFP, and Barron’s news department was not involved in its creation.)