Humanitarian assistance: France seeks punitive measures against Burkina Faso over its support for the new nigerien junta

France, unable to restore President Mohammed Bazoum, one of its ardent allies in West Africa, is considering taking punitive measures against Burkina Faso, a country that firmly supports the new authorities in Niger. According to our information as of Sunday, August 6th, French authorities have decided to «suspend until further notice all development aid and budgetary support» to Burkina Faso.

Indeed, following the events of July 26th in Niger, both Burkina Faso and Mali have distanced themselves from the ECOWAS position that supports a regime whose presence has led to a deterioration of Niger’s security situation by collaborating with terrorist groups.

Both countries have clearly stated that any military intervention in Niger would be considered a declaration of war against them.

They have also been disappointed and surprised by the mismatch observed in the reactions of West African political leaders in the face of a situation like that in Niger.

Thus, Bamako and Ouagadougou have refused to «enforce the illegal, illegitimate, and inhumane sanctions of ECOWAS against the Nigerien people and authorities. They have also expressed fraternal solidarity with the brotherly people of Niger, just as the Burkinabe and Malian peoples have».

As a result, punitive measures against Burkina Faso arise. Indeed, France has decided to suspend its development aid and budgetary support to Burkina Faso.

 A similar decision has also been taken against Mali following the rise to power of the savior and Malian president, Colonel Assimi Goïta.

Note that this announcement of France’s suspension of aid to Burkina Faso was made a few hours before the expiration of the ECOWAS ultimatum for military intervention in Niger to restore the ousted president.

Eureka Kone