The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has for several weeks threatened the perpetrators of the July 26th coup with military intervention aimed at restoring ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to power.

Speaking at the U.N. General Assembly, representing Mali's military junta, Diop said his country "remains firmly opposed to any military intervention by ECOWAS."

"Any military intervention in Niger, any aggression, any invasion of this country, poses a direct threat to peace and security in Mali, but also to peace and security in the region, and will necessarily have serious consequences. We will not stand idly by."

Mali signed a defense pact with Niger and Burkina Faso a week ago that provides for mutual assistance in the event of an attack targeting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the three military-ruled countries.

Diop again attacked France and "neo-colonial hegemony", praising Russia for its "active solidarity and credible commitment at the bilateral and multilateral levels".

Mali's military junta broke the alliance with France and its partners in the fight against extremists, turning militarily and politically toward Russia.

The Council has also pushed the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA out and must complete its withdrawal by the end of the year.

"The Government of the Republic of Mali does not plan to extend this deadline," the minister warned.

"The government assures the Malian people and the international community that all measures have been taken to ensure the continuity of state services after the departure of MINUSMA," Diop said.

"The Government of the Republic of Mali is more determined than ever to exercise its sovereignty and extend all its authority throughout the national territory," he stressed.