The coup leaders in Niger Republic have announced a military alliance with neighbouring nations of Burkina Faso and Mali.
The three countries announced the alliance in a joint statement by their foreign ministers in Niamey, Niger’s capital on Friday.
The Publisher Nigeria recalled the coup leaders in Niger led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani on July 26, 2023 ousted the democratically elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum and took over power in Niger Republic.
Despite calls from ECOWAS and other regional and international bodies for an immediate return to democratic rule, the soldiers have so far ignored such calls and rather proposed a 3-year transitional plan which has since been rejected by ECOWAS.
In the latest development, the military junta has now formed an alliance with Burkina Faso and Mali on the heels of a military invasion threat from the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS).
The agreement allows Mali and Burkina Faso to provide military aid to Niger in the event of military action against the junta in Niger.
Mali and Burkina Faso have already reached a similar deal.
It is understood that the agreement also calls for the three countries to work together to combat terrorist groups operating within their borders and safeguard their borders.
Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) hasddeclared that the use of force was still one of the available options that might be adopted in restoring democracy in Niger Republic.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said this on Friday during a press briefing on the Niger political situation and the refusal of the military junta to hand over power to ousted President Mohammed Bazoum.
He assured that the people of Niger would not be abandoned in the hands of the military junta.
