Reaction to the coup in Niger is a litmus test which determines who is truly supportive of self-determination for African nations. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is urging Nigeria to invade neighboring Niger, which is just what the U.S. and France would like to see happen. But the leaders of Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali are standing firm and demanding that the people of Niger, who appear to be supportive of the military involvement in their country, resolve their own conflict without the intervention of imperialist western nations. The leaders of Mali and Burkina Faso announced a joint statement, and were joined by the president of Guinea in upholding sovereignty and Pan-African unity.
Joint Communique #001 of Burkina Faso and the Republic of Mali
The transition governments of Burkina Faso and Mali have learned through the press of the conclusion of the extraordinary summits of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and of the West African Economic and Monetary Union held on July 30, 2023 in Abuja over the political situation in Niger.
The Transition Governments of Burkina Faso and Mali:
1. Express their fraternal solidarity and the solidarity in brotherhood of the Burkinabe and Malian people with the people of Niger who has decided, responsibly, to take its destiny into its own hand and to be accountable in the face of history for complete sovereignty;
2. Denounce the persistence of these regional organizations to impose sanctions that increase the populations’ suffering and imperil the spirit of Panafricanism.
3. Refuse to apply those illegal, illegitimate, and inhumane sanctions against the Nigerien people and authorities.
4. Warn that any military intervention against Niger would mean a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali.
5. Inform that any military intervention against Niger will lead to a withdrawal of Burkina Faso and Mali from ECOWAS as well as to the implementation of legitimate self-defense in support of the armed forces and people of Niger.
6. Warn against the disastrous consequences of a military intervention in Niger that might destabilize the whole region like that of the unilateral intervention of NATO in Libya, which has been the cause of the spread of terrorism in the Sahel region and in West Africa.
The Transition Governments of Burkina Faso and Mali are deeply outraged and surprised by the unevenness observed between, on the one hand the speed and adventurous attitude of certain political representatives of West Africa wishing to use the armed forces to restore a constitutional order in a sovereign country and on the other, the inaction, the indifference and passive complicity of these political representatives to help states and people victims of terrorism for decades and left to their own fate.
In any case, the Transition Governments of Burkina Faso and Mali invites all living forces to be ready and to be mobilized, in anticipation of supporting the Nigerien people in those dark hours of Panafricanism.
May God Bless Africa and protect Africans!
Written in Ouagadougou and Bamako, July 31st, 2023.
Signed by Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo and Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga
Statement from Guinea
Following the events in Niger, the National Committee of the Rally for Development (CNRD) firmly expressed its support for the people of this friendly country, emphasizing the importance of the values of Pan-Africanism dear to the Head of State, Colonel Mamadi DOUMBOUYA. Consequently, the authorities of the Republic of GUINEA dissociate themselves from the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS.
Communique No 002/CNRD/2023
Since July 26, 2023 the people of Guinea led by the National Committee for the Rally for Development (CNRD) have followed with great interest the evolution of the socio-political situation in the sister Republic of Niger which led to the taking of responsibility by the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country (CNSP).
The Guinean authorities pay tribute to the brave people of Niger for their exemplary patriotism and salute the republican spirit and the maturity of their defense and security forces that have prioritized the best interests of their nation by choosing to come together to find solutions to Nigerien problems.
The CNRD remains convinced that the new authorities will make every effort to guarantee the stability and harmony in Niger and in the sub-region.
The sanctions measures recommended by ECOWAS, including military intervention, are options that cannot be a solution to the current problem but would lead to a human disaster whose consequences could go beyond the borders of Niger.
Consequently, the CNRD refrains from applying these illegitimate and inhuman against the brotherly people and authorities of Niger and urges ECOWAS to return to better thinking.
The Republic of Guinea reaffirms with this press release its pan-Africanist vision by bringing its solidarity with the people of Niger and by the new authorities of the CNSP to preserve the national unity and cohesion.
The CNRD emphasizes that any military intervention against Niger would de facto lead to the dislocation of ECOWAS. Similarly, the brotherly peoples of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea yearns for more recognition and respect for our sovereignty.
Furthermore, the CNRD would like to point out that the sanctions imposed and the threats made at the summit of July 30, 2023 do not in any way make a commitment upon the Republic of Guinea.
At a time when the young populations of the ECOWAS region are experiencing a human drama in Tunisia and in the Mediterranean, the concern of the leaders of the sub-region should be rather oriented towards the strategic social and economic issues for the realization of their aspirations, rather than focus on the fate of deposed Presidents.
Conakry
July 31 2023
For the National Rally for Development
Brigadier General
Ibrahim Bangoura
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