According to authorities, the document is based on an agreement signed in 2017 that facilitates Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to show solidarity to promote and strengthen their common security, in case of external armed aggression or destabilization.

The approval comes a few days after the Nigerien military junta authorized the Burkinabe and Malian military authorities to intervene on their territory in case of aggression, following threats by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The military junta in Niamey has rejected such threats and appointed a new prime minister to form a transitional government. The so-called National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland announced on national television on July 26 the dismissal of President Mohamed Bazoum, the suspension of all institutions, the closure of the nation’s borders, and a night curfew.

Niger is one of the world’s poorest nations, struggles with the effects of climate change, and a severe food crisis is affecting millions of people.

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