Some of Niger's neighbors defend the coup there, even hinting at war. It's a warning for Africa

Not everyone is hostile to last week's coup in Niger. Neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali have taken the unusual step of declaring that foreign military intervention in Niger would be a declaration of war against them, too. Both have had coups in recent years. They are defying the West African regional body which says it could use force if Niger’s coup leaders don’t reinstate the democratically elected president within a week. A United Nations report last month warned of such resistance as young populations in Africa press for rapid change and new international partners. Some are looking to Russia.