Delegations from Mali's and Burkina Faso's military governments have assured Niger’s military coup leaders of their full support in a solidarity visit to Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani in Niamey, the Nigerien capital.

It comes as the regional bloc ECOWAS is set to have a summit on Thursday to discuss the next move against Niger's junta.

An ECOWAS deadline to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum by Sunday was ignored by Niger's military leaders. He is still being held captive.

The junta has remained defiant in the face of sanctions and threats from Ecowas, including a military intervention that the bloc said would be a “last option”.

Mali’s military government spokesperson Abdoulaye Maiga on Monday described the Ecowas sanctions on Niger as “illegal, illegitimate and inhumane”.

He said Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have been dealing with the “negative socio-economic, security, political and humanitarian consequences of Nato's hazardous adventure in Libya for over a decade”.

The Mali envoy also encouraged Nigeriens to be “resilient and stoic” through these “difficult times” and assured them of victory and their unwavering support.

Mali and Burkina Faso military leaders last week warned against an Ecowas military intervention in Niger, saying it meant a “declaration of war”.