By Enyichukwu Enenanna
Mali and Burkina Faso led by military junta have sent a joint official delegation in a show of solidarity with landlocked Niger, which is under the control of the coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani who toppled the elected government of Mohamed Bazoum late last month.
“Burkina Faso and Mali are sending a delegation to Niamey,” the Malian army said. “The aim: to demonstrate the solidarity of the two countries with the brotherly people of Niger.”
Niger’s foreign ministry hinted that the delegation is expected to arrive the country’s capital, Niamey on Monday.
The coup leaders had ignored a Sunday deadline from the West African bloc ECOWAS to reinstate democratically elected President Bazoum or face possible military action.
Mali and Burkina Faso, where the military also took power by force in 2020 and 2022, warned against a military action by ECOWAS.
In a joint statement, both countries said they would consider military intervention in Niger as a declaration of war on themselves.
The coup has attracted wide-spread condemnation, even as world leaders urge the ECOWAS leader, President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu to extend ultimatum to Tchiani before considering a military action.
