Mali and Burkina Faso Deploy Warplanes in Niger Amid ECOWAS New Threat

In response to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threat of possible military action, Mali and Burkina Faso have deployed warplanes in Niger Republic.

ECOWAS had issued a one-week ultimatum to the Niger junta to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum or face potential sanctions, including military intervention.

Despite the ultimatum, the coup leaders in Niger remained defiant, asserting their resistance against foreign intervention.

Consequently, ECOWAS Defense Chiefs were instructed to prepare the regional military force for action to restore civil rule in Niger.

However, both Mali and Burkina Faso cautioned against any military intervention in Niger, stating that such action would be regarded as a declaration of war against them.

In a joint statement, the governments of Mali and Burkina Faso expressed concern that a military intervention in Niger could have dire consequences and destabilize the entire region.

During a two-day meeting of ECOWAS Defense Chiefs in Accra, Ghana, Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, confirmed the readiness of the force for action, with plans already established for intervention.

Nevertheless, Musah emphasized that diplomatic efforts remained an open option.

He stated, “We are still preparing a mediation mission to enter the country, so we haven’t closed any doors. Tomorrow, there is a possibility of an ECOWAS mission going to Niger to continue pursuing a peaceful resolution to restore constitutional order. We are prepared to resolve the issue peacefully, but cooperation is essential.”

Niger’s national television revealed Mali and Burkina Faso’s recent deployment of warplanes. According to the report, military leaders from these countries met in Niger’s capital, Niamey, to discuss “concrete measures” in the event ECOWAS decides to escalate the situation into a conflict.

Most of ECOWAS’s member states, excluding Cape Verde and countries under military rule (Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea), are prepared to contribute to the joint military force…[CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>