Niger Coup: Burkina Faso, Mali Warn ECOWAS Against Military Intervention

The governments of Burkina Faso and Mali have issued a stern warning against military intervention in Niger, their coup-hit neighbor.

In a joint statement, Burkina Faso and Mali, which were governed by military-backed regimes, emphasized that any such intervention would be considered a declaration of war against them.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had previously threatened military action against Niger’s junta if President Mohamed Bazoum was not reinstated within seven days.

Niger Coup: Don’t Send Military Intervention – Tinubu, ECOWAS Warned

In a swift response, Burkina Faso and Mali have expressed their solidarity with the people of Niger and urged West African leaders to refrain from intervening, warning of dire consequences if military action were to occur.

The coup leaders in Niger appointed Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former commander of the presidential guard, as the head of the state.

The military argued that Bazoum was overthrown due to mismanagement and dissatisfaction with the way he handled security threats from groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, ISIS.