Niger junta evacuates families to Dubai, Burkina Faso amid ECOWAS invasion threat

Members of the Niger junta have allegedly started relocating their families to Burkina Faso and Dubai in response to the perceived threat of invasion by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The operation reportedly occurred at Agadez Airport a few days ago and involved Gulfstream G550 jets.

An insider revealed, “During the night of August 11th to 12th, 2023, General Tchiani’s junta evacuated the families of the coup plotters. Gulfstream G550 aircraft, including flight No. BFY824R, departed from Agadez Airport to Burkina Faso and Dubai with women and children on board.”

The source added that General Tchiani’s action indicated he had intelligence about an imminent ECOWAS attack and was prioritizing the safety of his family while potentially leading his soldiers into conflict.

Critics have accused Tchiani of misusing state funds for personal gain, sending his family to enjoy a lavish lifestyle in Dubai while Nigerien citizens face turmoil. This development follows ECOWAS’ statement that it was prepared for military intervention in Niger Republic if diplomatic efforts to restore democracy failed.

At a gathering of West African defense chiefs in Ghana, ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the commitment to reinstating constitutional order, even through military means if necessary.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, echoed the importance of democracy and peace during the meeting, expressing a proactive approach to resolving crises.

The deliberations followed the August 6 deadline set for the mutinous soldiers to release and reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Burkina Faso and Mali expressed opposition to military intervention, while Guinea refrained from commenting. The African Union’s stance on intervention is pending, as the organization’s Peace and Security Council considers the situation’s broader continental implications.