Mali, Burkina Faso Send Strong Warning to France, Others Over Alleged Planned Military Intervention in Niger
- Niger Republic’s former colonial power and neighbours: Mali and Burkina Faso, have caused tension
- Niger’s new junta accused France of seeking to “intervene militarily” to reinstate deposed President Mohamed Bazoum
- The military governments of Burkina Faso and Mali warned that any military intervention against last week’s coup leaders in Niger would be considered a “declaration of war” against their nations
Niamey, Niger Republic - In a move considered a tactical way to protect the recent regime change in Niger, Mali’s military Junta said on Monday, July 31, that they stand to support the coup leaders in Niamey.
According to Mali, it stands with Burkina Faso to defend the Niger Republic, The Guardian UK reported.
Source: Getty Images
Burkina Faso, Mali, issue joint statement to warn against any foreign military intervention in Niger
As tensions in the West African region continue to grow in the wake of the coup, the countries warned that any foreign military intervention in Niamey would be considered a declaration of war on both nations along with the Niger Republic, Africa News also reported.
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Burkina Faso and Mali’s joint statement stated that the "disastrous consequences of a military intervention in Niger could destabilise the entire region".
It would be recalled that the military junta that seized power in Niger accused France of plotting military intervention to reinstate the deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, Vanguard newspaper reported.
The junta said on national TV that France was searching “for ways and means to intervene militarily in Niger” and had held a meeting with the chief of staff of Niger’s national guard “to obtain the necessary political and military authorisation”.
Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna denied the allegation.
Colonna told FRANCE 24:
"France's only priority is the safety of our nationals.”
France begins evacuation of citizens from Niger Republic
In a piece of related news, Legit.ng reported that France announced the evacuation of its citizens and other European nationals from the Niger Republic following the dramatic coup by the military.
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement, adding that the evacuation commences on Tuesday, August 1.
ECOWAS considers military intervention in Niger to restore Bezoum
Legit.ng also reported that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said it might use military might to restore constitutional order in Niger Republic following the dramatic coup that ousted President Mohammad Bezoum from office.
Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, made the announcement on Sunday, July 30, after an extraordinary meeting of leaders of ECOWAS member-states at the State House, Abuja.
Source: Legit.ng
