Mali’s Premier warns of ECOWAS’s dislocation if intervention in Niger goes ahead

Choguel Kokalla Maiga, the Prime minister of Mali’s transitional government, posited Monday August 21 that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will stop existing if it invades Niger, currently ruled by a junta which deposed the elected President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.

“If ECOWAS starts a war in Niger, it will cease to exist,” Maiga told a Senegalese media.

“From the very beginning, the goal of some countries has been to destroy ECOWAS. They do not want African countries to unite,” Maiga said.

Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, commander of the Niger’s power presidential guard ousted Mohamed Bazoum and announced Saturday August 19 a three-year transition.

The ECOWAS since the coup has sought the reinstatement of Bazoum and announced plans to intervene militarily if the deposed leader is not restored. The bloc has also rejected Monday August 21 the transition plan.