Mutual Defense Agreement: African Nations Pledge Support to Protect Niger.
“Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Sign Defense Agreement Amidst ECOWAS Tensions”
Mali and Burkina Faso have once again voiced their opposition to any potential armed intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In response, Niger’s new military government has taken a significant step by authorizing Burkina Faso and Mali to deploy their defense and security forces in Niger should an attack occur. This development was announced following a meeting in Niamey, where Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Olivia Rouamba, and her Malian counterpart, Abdoulaye Diop, met with General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of the recent coup in Niger.
The tripartite agreement commits these nations to provide each other with assistance in defense and security matters in the event of aggression or terrorist threats, as stated in a joint release by their foreign ministries.
The ECOWAS bloc, however, remains concerned about the situation and has previously warned of potential military intervention to restore President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted by elements of the presidential guard on July 26th and has since been detained.
Although ECOWAS initially emphasized diplomatic solutions to the crisis, they recently announced plans for armed action if negotiations with the coup leaders fail. This shift has prompted Mali and Burkina Faso, neighboring countries, to reiterate their objections to foreign military intervention in Niger, deeming it an act of war against their own governments.
Burkina Faso and Mali’s foreign ministers further expressed their support for Niger’s military rulers during their meeting, strongly condemning the sanctions imposed on Niger by ECOWAS and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). They reinforced their stance against any armed intervention, labeling it a declaration of war.
In response to the evolving situation and to coordinate their collective actions, the three nations have also announced the creation of a “consultation framework” and a “joint secretariat” to address the various challenges they face collectively.