Headline18. September 2023
The military commanders of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have signed a mutual defense agreement committing to provide each other with military support in the event of external aggression and internal insurgency. All three countries are former French colonies that have been victims of military coups in recent years. These were the words of Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop.
Abdoulaye Diop: “Any attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one or more signatory parties will be considered as aggression against the other parties and obliges all parties to aid and assist.”
Tensions between France and Niger’s new military leadership are increasing. On Saturday, thousands of protesters gathered outside a French military base in that country after French President Emmanuel Macron said his country’s ambassador was being held hostage at the French embassy. Protesters called on French forces to leave Niger.
Issaka Oumarou: “We know that Emmanuel Macron is looking for an excuse for war to invade our country. But Emmanuel Macron must understand that the people of Niger are determined. Emmanuel Macron must understand that we have understood his game and will not fall into his trap.”