Burkina Faso's transitional legislative assembly (parliament) has unanimously passed a bill authorizing the deployment of troops to the Republic of Niger, the Burkina24 news portal reported.
According to the information provided, the country's Defense Minister, Kassoum Coulibaly, addressed the parliamentary session, which took place on Tuesday.
"The deployment of our contingent in Niger will enhance our counterterrorism efforts in Burkina Faso. It will establish support points deep within Niger, targeting terrorist groups that frequently seek refuge there after launching attacks on our territory," he explained. The minister also outlined that the military assistance to Niger would involve "providing substantial support and reinforcing military capabilities."
Coulibaly emphasized that if any member nations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) violate the UN charter and the treaties of the community, and decide to launch an attack on Niger without a well-defined reason, Burkina Faso would respond accordingly. He specified that Burkina Faso's military mission in Niger is initially planned for three months but could be extended.
Additionally, authorities in Burkina Faso and Mali issued a joint statement, indicating their intention to consider any military intervention in Niger as an act of war against them. They pledged to take self-defense measures in solidarity with the armed forces and the people of Niger. On September 16, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger signed a charter to establish a collective defense organization in the strategic Sahel region.
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Photo: Expert Infantry/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS