Mali and Burkina Faso have warned different West African nations that army intervention in Niger will probably be thought-about a declaration of warfare towards them.
It comes after Niger’s presidential guard surrounded the palace within the capital Niamey, detained elected president Mohamed Bazoum, and introduced a brand new army authorities.
The West African regional physique – often known as ECOWAS – has threatened to make use of pressure if coup leaders in Niger don’t reinstate the president by the weekend.
But Mali and Burkina Faso, each run by army governments, have warned in a joint assertion they are going to take into account any direct intervention in Niger as a “declaration of war” towards them.
The two international locations – who’re each suspended from ECOWAS – have additionally denounced the regional physique’s financial sanctions towards Niger as “illegal, illegitimate and inhumane” and have refused to use them.
ECOWAS suspended all industrial and monetary transactions between its member states and Niger, in addition to freezing Nigerien property held in regional central banks, within the wake of the army coup.
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Could Niger align itself with Russia?
Niger – already one of many poorest international locations on the earth – has additionally confronted cuts to overseas assist from Western nations following the army takeover.
Mali and Burkina Faso have every undergone two coups since 2020 and are presently suspended from ECOWAS.
The regional physique has additionally imposed sanctions towards the 2 ruling juntas, however has by no means threatened to make use of pressure towards them.
Guinea, one other nation beneath army rule since 2021, has additionally shared its assist of Niger’s junta and urged ECOWAS to “come to its senses”.
“The sanctions measures advocated by ECOWAS, including military intervention, are an option that would not be a solution to the current problem, but would lead to a human disaster whose consequences could extend beyond Niger’s borders,” mentioned Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, basic of the brigade in a press release from the ruling social gathering.
He added the Guinea wouldn’t apply the sanctions.
Condemnation from the West
Mr Bazoum was elected two years in the past in Niger’s first peaceable, democratic switch of energy since independence from France – and was largely seen as a Western, and regional, ally in West Africa.
On Sunday, anti-government protesters marched via the streets of the capital waving Russian flags and denouncing France.
Demonstrators in Niamey converged on the French embassy and set hearth to its doorways, stoned the constructing and burned the nation’s flags.
Mohamed Bazoum (R) pictured with Chad chief Mahamat Idriss Deby (L). Pic: Mahamat Idriss Deby/Facebook
Russian mercenary group Wagner is already working in neighbouring Mali and its boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has hailed the coup as excellent news and provided his fighters’ companies.
The Kremlin mentioned the scenario in Niger is “cause for serious concern”, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying that Russia referred to as for all sides within the coup to point out restraint.
The coup in Niger has been broadly condemned by neighbours and worldwide companions together with the US, the United Nations, the European Union and France.
They have all refused to recognise the brand new leaders and have demanded the elected president’s return.
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Nigerien safety forces put together to disperse pro-junta demonstrators exterior the French embassy, in Niamey
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken counseled the resolve of the ECOWAS management to “defend constitutional order in Niger” after sanctions had been introduced.
He additionally joined the bloc in calling for the rapid launch of Mr Bazoum and his household.
On Sunday, one of many leaders of the army coup, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, claimed the ousted authorities authorised France to hold out strikes to free the president.
He alleged the Niger overseas minister, appearing as prime minister, signed the order permitting France to take motion.
France – which dominated Niger as a colony till 1960 – has 1,500 troopers within the nation. They had been conducting joint operations with its authorities, with protesters showing to be towards having overseas army forces of their nation.
The now-ruling army has warned overseas governments towards making an attempt to free Mr Bazoum, saying it will lead to chaos and bloodshed.
France’s overseas ministry refused to substantiate or deny that authorisation had been made, telling journalists the one authority it recognises is that of Mr Bazoum.
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Head of coup turns into Niger’s chief
Development assist suspended by France
Niger is likely one of the poorest international locations on the earth, receiving near $2bn (£1.6bn) a yr in official growth help, in response to the World Bank.
It can be a safety associate of France and the US, which each use it as a base to battle an Islamist insurgency in West and Central Africa’s wider Sahel area.
Conflict consultants say out of all of the international locations within the area, Niger has probably the most at stake if it turns away from the West, given the tens of millions of {dollars} of army help the worldwide neighborhood has poured in.
Pro-junta demonstrators gathered exterior the French embassy
France has suspended all growth assist and different monetary assist for Niger.
The Elysee Palace mentioned in a press release: “Anyone who attacks French nationals, the military, diplomats, or French interests will spur an immediate and uncompromising response from France.”
In the UK, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office mentioned in a press release that Britain “condemns in the strongest possible terms attempts to undermine democracy, peace and stability in Niger”.
Content Source: information.sky.com