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Burkina Faso and Mali issued a joint warning against any military intervention in their neighboring country, Niger, which recently experienced a coup. The two nations, both governed by military-backed regimes, conveyed their concerns in response to a threat by West African Leaders.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held an emergency meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, during which they threatened military action against Niger’s junta and demanded the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum, who is currently being held captive. In a broadcast on Monday night, Burkina Faso and Mali strongly urged the West African leaders to refrain from interfering in Niger’s internal affairs, emphasizing that any such action could lead to “disastrous consequences.”
The joint statement expressed fraternal solidarity with the people of Niger, acknowledging their decision to take control of their destiny and sovereignty. Both countries warned that any military intervention against Niger would be perceived as a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali.
The coup in Niger, which occurred on July 26, has sent shockwaves across West Africa, sparking fear among neighboring countries, including Nigeria. General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former chief of the presidential guard, was named Head of State by the coup leaders, who cited reasons such as poor governance and dissatisfaction with President Bazoum’s handling of security threats from groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
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