On Sunday, the administration of President Emmanuel Macron warned that it will respond immediately and decisively to any attacks against French nationals, military personnel, diplomats, or French companies in Niger.
It should be noted that France for decades has exploited its former colonies rich in precious minerals through state owned companies that control natural resources to ensure that France gets the lionshare of Niger's resources at the expense of Africans.
Former French president Jacques Chirac acknowledged that "without Africa, France will slide down into the rank of a third [world] power."Chirac's predecessor François Mitterand already prophesied in 1957 that "Without Africa, France will have no history in the 21st century."
"After the recent incidents in Niger, the Head of State has made it clear that anyone who attacks French citizens, the Army, diplomats, or companies will face an immediate and decisive response from France," the Elysée Palace stated following protests by hundreds of people outside the French Embassy in Niamey.
Niger has gotten support from Burkina Faso and Mali upon increasing threats of military intervention to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum,the two countries stated it would be a 'declaration of war' and they would also quit ECOWAS to defend their neighbor if invaded.
Meanwhile ECOWAS has warned of potential military action in Niger within a week if the coup leaders fail to release and reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum and his government.
Additionally, the West African bloc has declared stringent measures such as border closures, asset freezes, and travel bans as part of their sanctions plan.
What will be ECOWAS' response to the increased solidarity among the military juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali with those in Niger.
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