As ECOWAS sets to restore constitutional order… Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea Warn Against Military Intervention in Niger
In a joint Press Release issued on 31st July, 2023, the leaders of Burkina Faso and Mali have threatened to quit from ECOWAS bloc and also warned the regional bloc against any military intervention in neighboring Niger. “Any Military Intervention in Niger will be considered as a declaration of war against both their countries”, said in the joint press release issued by Burkina Faso and Mali.
The leaders of Burkina Faso and Mali expressed their support and solidarity with the leader of the coup in Niger and vehemently refused to comply with the description used against the government as ‘illegitimate’ and also frowned at the sanction imposed on the Niger Citizens and authorities.
Their joint statement came after ECOWAS issued a one-week ultimatum given to Niger insurgents to reinstate the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The regional bloc demanded the “immediate release and reinstatement” of President Bazoum, who had been detained by the military since July 26, 2023.
They also warned that if their demands were not met within the specified timeframe, they would be left with no option but to take all necessary action to restore constitutional order in Niger, including the possibility of using force.
In addition to Mali and Burkina Faso, Guinea Military Leader, Mamady Doumbuya whose government was also a result of coup has also expressed disagreement with the sanctions recommended by ECOWAS and also its Military intervention in Niger state.
In a social media post, Doumbuya office said the sanctions “are options that would not be in solution to the current problem, but would lead to a humanitarian disaster whose consequences could extend beyond the Niger borders”.
