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Mali warns against foreign intervention in Niger, vows action

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
24 Sep 2023 11:24
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A week ago, the military juntas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, all of whom assumed power via coups since 2020, inked a defense agreement that outlines mutual support in the event of an attack.

Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop delivering an address at the UNGA. (UN)

Mali's top diplomat cautioned the UN on Saturday that if foreign governments intervene in neighboring Niger, Mali "will not stand idly by" and will take action against potential threats.

This warning comes following the establishment of a mutual defense pact between the two countries' juntas.

Just a week ago, the military juntas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, all of whom assumed power via coups since 2020, inked a defense agreement that outlines mutual support in the event of an 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 placed a strong emphasis on sovereignty, discontinuing its collaboration with its former colonizer France and its partners in the fight against terrorism while pivoting both militarily and politically towards Russia.

At the General Assembly, Diop reiterated his disapproval of Paris and its "neo-colonial domination." He also expressed gratitude for Russia's "active solidarity and reliable commitment both bilaterally and multilateral."

Furthermore, Bamako has initiated the removal of the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA, which is set to conclude its withdrawal by year-end.

"The government of the Republic of Mali has no intention of extending this deadline," the Minister said.

It is worth noting that France sent troops to the Western African country in 2013, under the pretense of defeating jihadists in northern Mali and the Sahel, which never happened considering the increasing number of operations targeting Malian forces. The operation ended in February following the deterioration of France's ties with its ex-colony.

Malians have repeatedly taken to the streets of the capital, Bamako, in demonstrations in support of the Malian Armed Forces. The demonstrators also voiced dissatisfaction with France's actions in the country, a former colony, especially after Malian troops reportedly found bodies buried near the base in the town of Gossi, which had been under the control of French forces until they handed it over to Mali.

"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, adding, "The government of the Republic of Mali is more determined than ever to exercise its sovereignty and assert its authority throughout the national territory."

Former Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown and detained in late July by the military junta led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former commander of the country's Presidential Guard.

The Western-allied Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), promised military interference to reinstate Bazoum by force if the junta did not do so by August 6. However, with the passing of more than a month beyond the deadline, Bazoum remains detained, while ECOWAS has toned down its statements on Niger and the ruling junta, hoping for a peaceful solution.