Niger's scurvy junta be allowing Mali and Burkina Faso's lads to come aboard; French ambassador walks the plank!
2023-08-25
Arrr, ye scurvy dogs! The Nigerien junta, led by Brig. Gen. Abdrahmane Tchiani, hath given the nod to troops from Mali and Burkina Faso to stand by and protect 'em. Aye, they be joinin' forces, ready to ward off any danger that comes their way!
The junta in Niger has authorized neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso to intervene in its defense and has expelled the French ambassador, further escalating tensions with other West African nations. The junta leader, Brig. Gen. Abdrahmane Tchiani, signed executive orders allowing military support from Mali and Burkina Faso in the event of aggression. The military regimes of Mali and Burkina Faso have warned that any use of force by the West African bloc ECOWAS against Niger's junta will be seen as an act of war against their own nations. The French ambassador was asked to leave Niger within 48 hours, accusing him of ignoring an invitation for a meeting and taking actions contrary to Niger's interests. France has only recognized Niger's elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who is currently detained by the junta. The invitation of troops from Mali and Burkina Faso and the expulsion of the French ambassador demonstrate a strong alignment between the regimes of these countries, indicating an anti-Western and pro-authoritarian orientation. Before the coup, Niger was considered an important partner in the fight against jihadi violence in the Sahel region. The coup leaders have also requested assistance from the Russian military company Wagner. ECOWAS has threatened to use force to reinstate Bazoum and continue to explore diplomatic options. The US Millennium Challenge Corporation has suspended operations in Niger, and ECOWAS and other countries have imposed sanctions. These actions have caused socio-economic crises in Niger, but ECOWAS claims they are in the interest of the people.