After the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) confirmed its willingness to intervene in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso sent warplanes to Niamey, as part of the two countries’ efforts to counter any possible military intervention.
A report broadcast on state television in Niger highlighted the joint efforts of Mali and Burkina Faso to support the coup leaders in Niger against any possible military intervention by the “ECOWAS” force, according to the Anadolu news agency.
The report stated: “Mali and Burkina Faso have turned their commitments into concrete action by deploying warplanes to respond to any attack on Niger.”
He highlighted that the planes that were sent are Super Tucano fighters.
Earlier, Burkina Faso and Mali issued a statement in support of Niger against the military operation planned by the ECOWAS group.
ECOWAS is ready to step in
Over the past two days, the chiefs of staff of the armies of the OIC countries held a meeting on the possible military intervention in Niger. In the aftermath, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the group, Abdelfattah Moussa, confirmed that the force affiliated with the organization is “ready to intervene” in Niger as soon as the leaders of West African countries give the order to do so. He explained, “We are ready to intervene as soon as we receive an order to do so. The day of intervention has also been determined.” The army chiefs outlined the details of possible military intervention to restore elected President Mohamed Bazoum to power after he was overthrown in a military coup on July 26. However, they reaffirmed that ECOWAS prefers to take the path of dialogue.
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2023-08-19 05:27:40
