Wisdom for ECOWAS, 'Win-Win' Cooperation: Burkinabe Minister on Niger Intervention, Ties With France

It is crucial that all countries involved have a clear understanding of the situation on the ground and are in a position to make "wise decisions" in regard to the developments in Niger, said Burkinabe Defense Minister Kassoum Coulibaly in an exclusive interview with Sputnik Africa.

Commenting on the possibility of fighting between Burkinabe, Nigerien, and Malian forces on one side and French or Western troops on the other, he noted that everything will depend on how the situation evolves, "how it goes." According to the minister, one can declare war, but this decision should be well thought out, because once it is made, there is no going back.

"I believe that countries that are countries of democracy and dialogue will really understand the reality on the ground, and will be truly informed in order to make decisions that will be wise. In fact, you can declare a war, but you never know when you have to stop it, when you can stop it," he said.

Niger is a country of geostrategic importance to a number of Western powers, particularly in their fight against terrorism in the Sahel region. Countries such as France, the United States, Italy, and other European nations have a permanent military presence in the West African country.

The Burkinabe defense minister stressed that he believes all these nations "will take their responsibilities" and won't make a decision that contradicts the principles of democracy and diplomacy that they advocate and promote

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Grasping Message of People

Earlier this week, media reported that the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) had decided to refrain from using force against the military authorities in Niger, dissociating itself from the position expressed by the ECOWAS leaders. The latter recently reiterated that the military option is still "on the table."

Coulibaly explained that whenever and wherever a coup takes place, people usually express their attitude to the takeover, whether they oppose it or support it. Therefore, if the coup is not accepted by the people, "you can be sure that the population itself will come out to do justice in this case."

He recalled that the same happened in Burkina Faso in 2016, when several members of the country's presidential guard attempted a coup that ultimately failed. Coulibaly noted that the rebels "stayed for six days," but under pressure from the population and international institutions, they left.

Speaking about the situation in Niger, he stressed that regional organizations should first and foremost take into account the interests of the Nigerien people, what they want and what would be better for them. According to the defense minister, many people in Niger support the new leaders and their actions and have expressed their solidarity with them.

"All the better that the African Union has understood the message of the people of Niger [...],” he said, adding: "Those in power are only a tiny part. You have to think about the people [...]. There is already a union between the new power and a large part of the population."

Coulibaly also addressed the issue of the sanctions imposed on Niger by ECOWAS and some Western countries in response to the coup, saying that "there is no need to sanction people." These sanctions should be lifted, he added, because they affect the Nigerien people.

Acting Without External Pressure

Following the events in Niger and ECOWAS' threats of a military response, Burkina Faso and Mali warned that any intervention would be considered an act of war.

"Among the ECOWAS member countries, there are some who finance, there are some who profit from and seem to support these terrorist movements to hurt others," Coulibaly pointed out.

When asked if there is any pressure on the country due to its position on Niger, the Burkinabe minister underscored that Burkina Faso "can't be under pressure from anyone." According to the minister, the country is strongly committed to maintaining its sovereignty.

At the same time, every decision made by the government is well thought out, he said, adding that as a rule, they "collectively analyze before deciding."

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The defense minister also commented on the country's deteriorating relations with France. Coulibaly explained that in any partnership, Burkina Faso wants to see mutual respect and equality, it seeks "win-win cooperation." Therefore, the country can't maintain relations with those states that continue to pursue their own interests and impose their conditions.

"But can you be in partnership with someone and want to blind them, blindfold their eyes, shut their mouth, close their ears?" he wondered, adding: "Be with someone who sees himself as the great master, and you, you are the slave? No, it won't work [...]. We are not driving them [the French] out, it's the fact that is happening, it's their behavior that is doing it."

Relations between Paris and Ouagadougou have been on the decline since Captain Ibrahim Traore took power in September 2022. In January this year, Burkina Faso decided to end a military agreement that allowed French troops to fight terrorists on its territory, saying that the country wanted to defend itself on its own.