Burkina Faso, Mali, Russia Warn ECOWAS Against Military Intervention In Niger

Afimag.com –

Burkina Faso and Mali have warned the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, against using military intervention in Niger to restore deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, alleging that it is a declaration of war against their two countries.

The warning came 24 hours after West African leaders threatened to reinstate the democratically elected Bazoum and sanctions Niger military.

In a joint statement, the governments of Burkina Faso and Mali warned that “any military intervention against Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali.”

They said the “disastrous consequences of a military intervention in Niger… could destabilise the entire region.”

They also said they “refuse to apply” the “illegal, illegitimate and inhumane sanctions against the people and authorities of Niger.”

On her part, Russian Federation also urged ECOWAS against the use of military intervention in the Niger crisis.

Russia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Alexei Shebarshin, advised the use of constitutional means in restoring peace to the West African country.

The Russian ambassador said, “Russia opposes a military solution to the conflict, Russia has no plans to use its armed forces in Niger. The people of Niger should solve their problems independently in a constitutional manner without any resort to force or threat to use it.”

At an emergency summit on Sunday, ECOWAS demanded that Bazoum be reinstated within a week, failing which it would take “all measures” to restore constitutional order. Such measures may include the use of force for this effect,” it said.