Burkina Faso Government Passes Bill to Deploy Military Forces to Niger

31 August 2023

On Wednesday, the government of Burkina Faso approved a bill to deploy the country's military to Niger.

 

"We are making this commitment to proactively prevent and combat terrorism to the fullest extent of our capabilities. Any threat to Niger's security significantly impacts the security of Burkina Faso," the country's Defense Minister Kassoum Coulibaly stated, as reported by Burkina24.

 

On July 26, a faction of military officers within Niger's presidential guard initiated a mutiny and proclaimed the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from power. This led to the establishment of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, to assume governance of the nation. In response, the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed stringent sanctions on Niger and demanded the immediate release of Bazoum, while also warning of potential use of force.

 

Towards the end of July, authorities in Burkina Faso and Mali issued a joint statement, stipulating that any military intervention in Niger would be considered tantamount to a declaration of war against them. They pledged to take defensive measures in solidarity with the armed forces and citizens of Niger.

 

 

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Based on materials from TASS