By John Ikani
Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament has made a unanimous decision to dispatch troops to its neighbouring nation, Niger, where a military takeover occurred on July 26.
State TV reported that Defence Minister Colonel Major Kassoum Coulibaly stated that the troops would stay in Niger for a renewable three-month period.
Their mission? “Fighting terrorism and contributing to stabilizing Sahel states.”
Back on August 30, Burkina Faso’s interim cabinet greenlights the deployment of troops to Niger in anticipation of an impending military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Notably, Burkina Faso and Mali stand as the few nations openly supporting Niger’s military junta.
ECOWAS has been exerting pressure on Niger to reinstate the democratically elected government or face the prospect of further sanctions and potential regional military involvement.
In addition, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have inked an agreement to establish a collaborative body to coordinate their efforts in addressing “common challenges,” which encompass combating a jihadist insurgency, addressing general insecurity, and tackling underdevelopment.
