ECOWAS delegation meets Malian authorities to discuss military intervention in Niger
While the situation in Niger remains tense following the coup perpetrated by the military junta, a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) traveled to Bamako for discussions with Malian authorities.
Led by Nigerian General Abdulsalami Abubakar, this delegation aims to negotiate with the junta and find a peaceful solution to the current crisis. The visit of General Salifou Mody, number 2 of the Niger junta, to Bamako is also a strong signal of rapprochement between the various putschist regimes in the region.
These discussions come as some countries consider military intervention in Niger to restore constitutional order. However, the Malian and Burkinabé juntas have lent their support to the Nigerien putschists, saying that any armed intervention would be seen as a declaration of war on their respective countries. They also refused to apply the economic blockade decided by ECOWAS.
This trip by Nigerien General Salifou Mody to Bamako raises questions about the role of military juntas in the region and the possibility of increased cooperation between them to fight against jihadist groups. Indeed, Salifou Mody embodies a tendency favorable to a rapprochement between the juntas of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in the fight against terrorism.
Beyond the security dimension, these political discussions between the Malian authorities and the Nigerien delegation suggest a desire to strengthen relations between the two countries, both economically and diplomatically.
It is now crucial to follow the progress of these discussions and see if they will lead to a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger, while taking into account regional interests and the fight against terrorism, which remains a major concern in the area