The government of Niger has given permission for the armed forces of Mali and Burkina Faso to intervene in its territory to counter any potential attacks, according to a joint statement released by the three countries on Thursday. This move may indicate that the junta in Niger intends to resist the pressure from regional entities to step down.
ECOWAS, the main West African bloc, has been engaged in negotiations with the leaders of the coup in Niger. However, it has also warned that it is willing to send troops to Niger in order to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail.
The possible escalation of tensions carries the risk of further destabilization in the region, which is already afflicted by insurgencies. Both Mali and Burkina Faso, as neighboring countries led by junta governments, have expressed their support for Niger in any conflict with ECOWAS.
The foreign ministers of the three countries convened in the capital of Niger, Niamey, to discuss collaboration on security matters and other shared concerns, as stated in their joint statement.
According to the statement, the ministers welcomed the signing of two orders by General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the Niger junta. These orders grant permission for the defense and security forces of Burkina Faso and Mali to intervene in Niger’s territory if an attack occurs.
The statement also emphasized that the ministers from Burkina Faso and Mali reaffirmed their opposition to an armed intervention against the people of Niger, deeming it equivalent to a declaration of war.
Reporting by Tiemoko Diallo; Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Sandra Maler
Credit: The Star : News Feed
