BAMAKO: Niger government has allowed Burkina Faso and Mali’s armed forces to enter its territory in case of an invasion, the three nations said in a joint statement on Thursday, a likely sign the military regime in Niger plans to stand down regional pressure.
Niger Permits Burkina Faso, Mali Forces to Enter its Country in Case of Attack
The development comes as major West African bloc ECOWAS has been making efforts to talk with the military coup leaders but also warned it is ready to send forces into Niger to reinstate constitutional order if diplomatic attempts fail.
Any escalation jeopardies further destabilizing the region as Niger’s neighbors, Burkina Faso and Mali have said that they would back Niger in any war with ECOWAS.
On Thursday, the three nations’ foreign ministers stated they had met in Niamey to discuss boosting coordination and cooperation on security matters.
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The statement maintained the ministers lauded the signing on Thursday by Niger leader General Abdourahamane Tiani of two orders “allowing the Defense and Security Forces of Mali and Burkina Faso to interfere on Nigerian territory in case of an attack.”
“The Ministers … reiterated their rejection of an armed interference against the people of Niger which will be considered as a declaration of war,” the statement further said.
