The military junta, which toppled Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, received renewed strong support from its neighbor and ally Mali, amid the threat of military intervention by the Economic Community of States of West Africa (ECOWAS) to restore constitutional order remains relevant.

“Mali remains strongly opposed to any ECOWAS military intervention,” declared Abdoulaye Diop, representing the Malian junta at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Saturday September 23. “Any military intervention in Niger, I was going to say any aggression, 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 added.

Mali signed a defensive alliance a week ago with Niger and Burkina Faso which provides for mutual assistance in the event of an attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the three military-led countries.

“Special mention” to Russia

Once again attacking France and “neocolonial domination”, Abdoulaye Diop also addressed a “special mention” to Russia “for its active solidarity and reliable commitment both bilaterally and multilaterally. “.

The junta has made sovereignty its mantra, broken the alliance with France and its partners in the fight against jihadism, to turn militarily and politically towards Russia. In this context, she pushed the UN peacekeeping mission (Minusma) towards the exit, which must complete its express withdrawal by the end of the year. “The government of the Republic of Mali does not plan to extend this deadline,” warned the minister.

Since 2012, Mali has been confronted with the spread of jihadists and a profound security, humanitarian and political crisis. And the north of the country is experiencing a resumption of hostilities, which coincides with the ongoing withdrawal of Minusma.

“The government reassures the Malian population and the international community that all measures have been taken to ensure the continuity of state services after the departure of Minusma,” assured Mr. Diop. “The government of the Republic of Mali is more determined than ever to exercise its sovereignty, establish its authority, all its authority over the entire national territory.”