Delegations from Mali and Burkina Faso, who visited Niamey on Monday, have expressed their strong opposition to any foreign intervention in the internal affairs of Niger. This comes after rebels ousted President Mohamed Bazoum from power in late July. The ActuNiger news portal reported this development.
"For the past decade, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have been grappling with the socio-economic, political, humanitarian, and security repercussions stemming from NATO's risky endeavor in Libya. Are we ready to embrace another similar undertaking in Niger? Presidents Assimi Goita of Mali and Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso have unequivocally stated 'no' and 'no.' We firmly reject any military intervention in Niger; our very survival hinges on this stance," expressed Mali's Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, as well as government spokesperson, Abdoulaye Maiga.
"The heads of state of Mali and Burkina Faso have taken a resolute stance to bequeath assets, not burdens, to the forthcoming generation. I believe that ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] has profoundly misjudged its target - these ultimatums should be directed towards terrorist groups," he concluded.
The minister's remarks came after a closed-door meeting between delegation members and leaders of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), the governing body of the rebels. The CNSP, on August 7, reached an agreement outlining terms of support for Niger in case of external aggression by ECOWAS, as reported by ActuNiger.
The purpose of the delegations, consisting of ministers and security officials, was to demonstrate solidarity with Niger in light of the sanctions imposed on Niamey by ECOWAS, as well as to synchronize a reaction in the event of external aggression, the portal reported. The delegation members were received by the head of the CNSP, Brigadier General Abdurahmane Tchiani, to whom messages from the presidents of Mali and Burkina Faso were conveyed.
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Based on materials from TASS