Niger’s newly installed junta has issued a stern warning to West African countries, vowing to respond swiftly to any aggression directed towards it.
This statement comes just days before the expiration of an ultimatum given by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore order in the country after a recent coup.
The Niger Defence and Security Forces have declared their readiness to take immediate and unannounced action against any member of the regional bloc, except for suspended friendly countries.
These actions indicate a significant shift in Niger’s foreign relations, particularly with France, one of its key allies in combating the jihadist insurgency in the Sahel region.
The diplomatic changes made by the junta, particularly regarding its ambassadors and cooperation agreements with France, signal a shift in the country’s foreign policy.