Leaders of Burkina Faso and Mali have issued a stern warning to the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Monday, cautioning against any military intervention in the aftermath of the coup in their neighbor, Niger.
According to the countries, any military intervention would be tantamount to war.
The joint statement issued by the two countries, both governed by military-backed administrations, came in response to a threat made by West African leaders during an emergency meeting in Abuja, Nigeria.
Recall that the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, had during its emergency meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, threatened military action against Niger’s junta after the successful coup last week.
In the meeting, which was chaired by its Chairman, President Bola Tinubu, ECOWAS gave the junta seven days ultimatum to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, who is being held captive or face sanctions.
Angered by the threat, Burkina Faso and Mali in the statement read on their national broadcasts on Monday night, urged the West African leaders to leave Niger alone, stressing that any funny move would result in “disastrous consequences”.
Part of the statement reads, “The transitional governments of Burkina Faso and Mali express their fraternal solidarity… to the people of Niger, who have decided with full responsibility to take their destiny in hand and assume the fullness of their sovereignty before history.
“Any military intervention against Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali.”
Recall that the coup in Niger which occured on July 26 has sent shockwaves across West Africa as fear gripped other neighbouring countries, including Nigeria.
Niger’s coup leaders named General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former presidential guard chief, as Head of State.
According to the military, President Bazoum was overthrown over poor governance and discontent with the way he handled security threats from groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.