In continued defiance to the threat of invasion of Niger by ECOWAS, the leader of the junta in Niger Republic, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, yesterday signed two decrees giving authorization to Mali and Burkina Faso to carry out military interventions on Nigeriene territory if the ECOWAS sends troops to restore democracy in Niger as it has continually threatened for weeks.
Also, in a show of resolve and firm control of the country, the junta expelled the ambassadors of Nigeria, Germany and France ordering them to leave Niamey within 48 hours.
Niger Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in separate letters to the three envoys asked them to depart Niamey by tomorrow.
In the case of Nigeria, the junta said it was “in reaction to Nigerian Ambassador Mohamed Usman’s refusal to reply to an invitation by the ministry for a discussion on Friday August 25 at 11.30 a.m., and due to other actions of the Nigerian government contrary to Niger’s interests.”
The junta accused the German ambassador, Olivier Schnakenberg, and the French ambassador Sylvain Itte of refusing to honour similar invitations for discussion.
In reaction, France, Niger’s former colonial power, said the “putschists have no authority” to order such an expulsion.
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Paris has been consistent in opposing the July’s coup and have insisted that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum must be returned to office.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna sent an Aug. 8 note to express solidarity with Nigerien Ambassador in Paris Aichatou Boulama Kane who refused to leave her position after the military administration took power.
Meanwhile the Nigeria led ECOWAS has again warned the junta yesterday that it was not too late for the coupists to reconsider their action.
ECOWAS declared that contrary to widespread belief, the planned invasion and usage of military forces to restore democracy in Niamey is not at the prompting of foreign powers in Europe and America.
The US Deputy Secretary of State, Molly Phee is expected to visit Nigeria, Chad and Ghana shortly over the impasse in Niger just as the Americans commenced evacuating its citizens in the troubled country, fueling speculations of impending conflicts.
The deputy secretary of State is expected to speak with the presidents of the three countries on Washington’s support for ECOWAS and their Niger crisis response.
“ In all her conversations, she will mention the common objectives of preserving Niger’s hard-won democracy and obtaining the immediate release and recovery of President Bazoum, his family and members of his unjustly detained government,” the department said.
The new military alliance between Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, which was announced via a communique, allows Mali and Burkina Faso to provide military assistance to Niger in the event of military intervention against the coupists there.
Already, Oaugadougou and Bamako sent Super Tucano jets to Niamey last week to send notices of solidarity.
