Niger's new military ruler General Abdourahamane Tiani reading a statement on national television on August 19, 2023. © AFP
Reuters: Niger allows Mali, Burkina Faso troops to enter its territory in case of attack
BAMAKO (Reuters) - Niger has authorised Mali and Burkina Faso's armed forces to intervene on its territory in case of an attack, the countries said in a joint statement on Thursday, a possible sign the junta in Niger plans to keep resisting regional pressure to stand down.
The main West African bloc ECOWAS has been trying to negotiate with the coup leaders but warned it is ready to send troops into Niger to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail.
Any escalation risks further destabilising the insurgency-torn region as Niger's junta-led neighbours, Mali and Burkina Faso, have said they would back Niger in any conflict with ECOWAS.
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Update #1: Niger junta authorises Burkina Faso, Mali armies to intervene ‘in the event of aggression’ -- France 24
Update #2: Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali form military pact -- DW
WNU Editor: The last thing this region needs is a regional war between nations.