By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Arising from a mutual defence deal, Junta-led Mali says it “will not stand idly by” if foreign governments intervene in neighouring Niger.
A Bamako top diplomat cautioned the United Nations against meddling with affairs of Niger, saying it would constitute a threat against Bamako.
After the presidential guards overthrew Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 and detained him at the Presidential Villa, regional bloc the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened a military intervention against the coup leaders if they fail to reinstate Bazoum as democratically elected leader.
Recently, the military leaders in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, all led by junta signed a defence deal that provides for mutual assistance in the face of attack.
“Mali remains strongly opposed to any military intervention by ECOWAS,” said Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, representing the Malian junta at the UN General Assembly.
“Any invasion of this country constitutes a direct threat to the peace and security of Mali, but also to the peace and security of the region, and will necessarily have serious consequences. We will not stand idly by,” he said.
The Mali junta has made sovereignty a priority, ending its cooperation with France and its allies in fighting jihadism, and turned militarily and politically towards Russia.
At the General Assembly, Diop repeated his criticism of Paris and its “neo-colonial domination,” and also made “special mention” of Russia’s “active solidarity and reliable commitment both bilaterally and multilaterally.”
Bamako has also pushed out UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA, which is due to complete its expedited withdrawal by the end of the year.
“The government of the Republic of Mali has no intention of extending this deadline,” the minister said.
“The government reassures the Malian people and the international community that all measures have been taken to ensure the continuity of state services after the departure of the MINUSMA,” Diop said.
“The government of the Republic of Mali is more determined than ever to exercise its sovereignty and assert its authority throughout the national territory.”
