NIAMEY, Aug. 8 — Delegations from Mali and Burkina Faso’s military governments paid a solidarity visit to Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani in Niamey, Niger’s capital, assuring Niger’s military coup leaders of their full support.
This visit comes as the regional bloc Ecowas prepares for a summit on Thursday to discuss its next move in response to Niger’s junta. Despite Ecowas’ deadline to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum by Sunday, Niger’s military leaders have ignored the ultimatum, and the president remains in captivity.
Niger’s junta has maintained a defiant stance despite facing sanctions and threats from Ecowas, which includes the possibility of military intervention as a “last option.”
Mali’s military government spokesperson, Abdoulaye Maiga, condemned the Ecowas sanctions on Niger as “illegal, illegitimate, and inhumane.” Maiga cited the negative consequences of Nato’s involvement in Libya as contributing to the security and humanitarian challenges faced by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso for over a decade.
During the visit, the Mali envoy encouraged the people of Niger to remain “resilient and stoic” during these challenging times and assured them of unwavering support and eventual victory.
Last week, military leaders from Mali and Burkina Faso warned against an Ecowas military intervention in Niger, stating that such action would be seen as a “declaration of war.”
These developments come amid growing concerns about the stability of the Sahel region, which has been plagued by violence and instability for years.
Niger, one of the world’s poorest countries, is grappling with multiple challenges, including terrorism, poverty, and climate change. The recent coup has further destabilized the region and raised fears of potential wider conflicts.
The upcoming Ecowas summit on Thursday holds significant importance for the future of Niger and the Sahel region. The bloc has made it clear that it will not tolerate military rule in the region, and the meeting is expected to address the ongoing crisis in Niger decisively.
