8.1.23
Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to give weapons away for free to an African nation amid ongoing tensions in Niger, according to Burkina Faso's interim president. While speaking with Sputnik Africa on Monday, Burkina Faso interim President Ibrahim Traore spoke about support from Russia and said that Putin "refuses nothing" when it comes to weapons the African nation needs to fight terrorism. "There are no restrictions, they do not refuse licenses, and it is at a good price. Russia is also ready to deliver weapons to us for free," Traore told Sputnik Africa. The comments by Traore come amid ongoing tensions in Niger, which is a neighbor to Burkina Faso, after democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by soldiers and General Abdourahmane Tchiani was placed in charge. The military takeover was condemned by numerous nations including the U.S. and the United Nations Security Council.
According to Al Jazeera, the military governments of Burkina Faso and Mali also responded to the military takeover in Niger, saying, "The transitional governments of Burkina Faso and Mali express their fraternal solidarity ... to the people of Niger, who have decided with full responsibility to take their destiny in hand and assume the fullness of their sovereignty before history." "The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), however, issued a statement in response to the military takeover in Niger, saying that it would "take all measures necessary (that) may include the use of force" if Bazoum is not reinstated as president.Any military intervention against Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali," the statement added, according to Al Jazeera.