Drums of war in Niger as Burkina Faso and Mali get legal approval
By Daily Tab24. Updated: Aug 25, 2023. 3:36 pm.
While Sudan burns, ECOWAS are more interested in stoking another fire in the Sahel-Sahara region of the continent. Since the expiration of the ultimatum by the bloc, they have been threatening military action against Niger, a threat that was not taken for granted by Niger’s military junta.
In keeping with the threat to invade Niger and restore the mandate of Basoum, the deposed elected President of Niger. ECOWAS activated standby forces of the bloc. Boasting about their readiness and preparation – promising to roll the bloc’s tanks once an order is made. While the bloc’s military chiefs wait for the executive order of the bloc chairman, Niger prepares for any eventuality.
The new military government of Niger has officially drafted a state trilateral agreement that would legally empower Burkina Faso and Mali to legally aid the country in advent of any military action against the country. This is to prepare for war, as ECOWAS continue to sound drums of war against the country.
The chairman of ECOWAS Bola Tinubu whose mandate in Nigeria has come under scrutiny following EU confessed frauds in the election that produced him has vowed to confront the junta if they fail to comply with the demands of the bloc. The bloc had demanded a return to constitutional order, which would allow Basoum to be reinstated as the constitutionally elected President of Niger.
In his country, Bola Tinubu is not popular among the citizens, but has cut a prominent figure within the political space. In the build up to the election that produced him, he insisted it was his turn to rule African most populous country, a claim many believe he forced on the Independent National Electoral Commission of his country. The senate of his country has forbidden him from sanctioning military intervention in Niger, a move critics say he might turn down.
Back in Niger, the junta enjoys massive support as corruption, mismanagement and high cost of living summed the government of the now deposed President Basoum. The junta is seen as savior and the people of Niger have sworn to fight alongside the army should ECOWAS or any other bloc or country invade the country.
“We will fight for our country, and we want France to leave us alone. ECOWAS is working for France and we will do everything we can to ensure our sovereignty is preserved” a protester carrying Russian flag said.
Tinubu has come under strong criticism for his obsession with Niger’s coup. Observers believe the Nigerian President is being pushed to do the biding of France, the country that seems to be the direct hit by the coup. France has been the major beneficiary of Niger’s uranium and the junta has targeted French interest in the country.
Should any military action against Niger be ordered, ECOWAS would have to fight against three African countries, a war that would ultimately destabilize Africa. Algeria is likely to support Niger, but they presently stand against military invasion, while calling for diplomacy and dialogue.
