The nations of Mali and Burkina Faso expressed support on Monday for Niger’s new military leadership while cautioning regional powers against any potential armed intervention.
A junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani overthrew Niger’s government last week, deposing President Mohamed Bazoum. This coup has drawn rebukes from the international community, including the West African bloc ECOWAS.
In a bold joint statement, Mali and Burkina Faso warned that any military operation against the Niger junta would constitute a “declaration of war” against them as well. They argued intervention could further destabilize the region.
The two governments, both also led by military rulers, refused to abide by ECOWAS sanctions on Niger and called them “illegal.” ECOWAS had threatened force to reinstate Bazoum and imposed penalties on Niger’s new authorities.
In a separate statement, Guinea likewise discouraged ECOWAS from military action and asked the bloc to reconsider its stance. Guinea’s government also arose from a recent coup.
The provocative communications illustrate the complex dynamics around the latest West African coup at a time of growing instability. With three regional allies now having military governments, Niger’s junta appears emboldened to rebuff external pressure.
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