Again, Niger coup leaders defy ECOWAS, forge alliance with Burkina Faso, Mali
The military leaders who orchestrated the coup in Niger have recently announced a strategic alliance with the neighboring nations of Burkina Faso and Mali. Notably, both Burkina Faso and Mali are also currently governed by leaders who came to power through separate military coups.
The joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers of the three countries, and it was made public in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Friday.
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Following the coup on July 26, 2023, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, in which they ousted democratically elected President Mohammed Bazoum, the military junta has disregarded calls from ECOWAS and other regional and international bodies to restore democratic rule. Instead, they have proposed a three-year transitional plan, which ECOWAS has rejected.
Amidst the escalating tensions, the coup leaders have now formed an alliance with Burkina Faso and Mali, in response to the military invasion threat made by the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS).
This partnership enables Mali and Burkina Faso to provide military support to Niger in the event of any potential military action against the junta. It is worth mentioning that a similar agreement has already been reached between Mali and Burkina Faso.
Additionally, the alliance aims to foster collaboration among the three countries in combating terrorist groups operating within their borders and ensuring the security of their shared boundaries.
In the midst of these developments, ECOWAS has reiterated that the use of force remains a viable option to restore democracy in Niger Republic.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, expressed this during a press briefing on Friday, highlighting the ongoing refusal of the military junta to hand over power to ousted President Mohammed Bazoum. He assured that the people of Niger would not be abandoned in the hands of the military junta.
