Tension rises in Niger as West evacuate citizens, B’Faso, Mali align for joint forces

There is rising tension in Niger Republic as Western countries which include France, the U.S., U.K. and others have commenced the evacuation of their citizens from the country in the tentative build up to military actions by external forces. The tension is exacerbated by official statements from Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, declaring an alliance and military and economic support to Niger to ward off threats from external forces, the ECOWAS, and the global community.

Burkina Faso

Senator Shehu Sani had on his official Twitter handle posted:

Senator Shehu Sani
@ShehuSani

“Some Westerners leaving Niger Republic back to their countries.”

Some Westerners leaving Niger Republic back to their countries. pic.twitter.com/Xbj6MVtNZ0

— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) August 1, 2023

The Communication Directorate of the Faso Presidency, had in a statement indicated that the Faso Presidency has learned with dismay the serious sanctions imposed on Niger by CEDEAO on Sunday 30th July 2023 in Abuja.

The Directorate, accordingly declared: “to that end, she informs the public that in anticipation of the conclusions of this summit, the President of the Transition, Head of State, Captain Ibrahim TRAORE and the President of the Malian Transition, Colonel Assimi GOITA, during their meeting in Saint Petersburg, July 27, 2023 agreed to stand ready to assist Niger, against any violation of its territorial integrity.

French Nationals arriving Niger Airport for evacuation as tension heightened. pic.twitter.com/jnhGB36OR4

— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) August 1, 2023

“A request for technical and military assistance has been submitted to Russian President Vladimir Putin to technically and materially support this initiative.

“During their face-to-face meeting, they also spoke by telephone with Lieutenant Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, the Head of State of Guinea who is a member of the project.

“In addition, they have trained their technical services to quickly study solutions to be adopted by the two countries in order to help soften the likely economic and humanitarian sanctions that the CEDEAO summit would adopt against Niger.”

Official announcement Burkina Faso and Mail, to join forces with Niger. pic.twitter.com/5Lp0v9ilU8

— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) July 31, 2023

The Government of Guinea Conakry has also made official statement on joining forces with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger against any external aggression and attack on the sovereignty of Niger Republic.

#Niger Official Statement from the Government of Guinea Conakry. July 31, 2023. pic.twitter.com/VcKPzCnrOP

— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) July 31, 2023

Several stakeholders have cautioned President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria to resist the temptation to support military action in Niger Republic by the ECOWAS or through the Nigerian Army.

Burkina Faso President, Ibrahim Traore. When he speaks everyone listens. pic.twitter.com/pSlCKbH2li

— Africa Archives ™ (@Africa_Archives) July 31, 2023

Clearly, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger Republic, forming a alliance could create a Francophone circle in the West African sub-region, unto the Atlantic, and bordering North Africa, that could be difficult to penetrate.