Russia has issued a warning to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over planned military intervention in the ongoing political tension in Niger Republic.

Russia warned that such action could escalate the crisis.

Leaders of ECOWAS member states on Thursday, resolved to deploy a “standby force” in a bid to restore constitutional democracy to Niger and reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

ECOWAS chairperson, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, made it clear that “no option is off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.”

Russia, however, says a military solution could lead to a “protracted confrontation”.

“We believe that a military solution to the crisis in Niger could lead to a protracted confrontation in that African country, and to a sharp destabilisation of the situation in the Sahara-Sahel region as a whole,” the Russian foreign ministry said.

Russia has not formally backed the coup leaders.