The military junta in Niger has confirmed the arrival of 265 trucks carrying basic commodities from Burkina Faso, strengthening the ties between the two neighboring military-led governments.
Minister of Commerce and Industry Seydou Asman received the convoy at the Niamey-Tillabery Regional Customs Directorate, noting that the shipment is part of a joint initiative to secure essential goods in response to economic sanctions.
These sanctions, which include border closures and trade freezes, were imposed by the regional bloc ECOWAS following the coup on July 26.
This delivery marks the second significant consignment of supplies sent by Burkina Faso to help mitigate the impact of the regional embargo on landlocked Niger.
Beyond economic cooperation, the two nations have established a military agreement allowing for mutual defense and the deployment of logistics should ECOWAS move forward with its threat of military intervention to restore deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.
While the specific contents of the latest truck convoy were not detailed, the intervention is framed by the junta as a necessary defense against “unfair” external pressure.
Le Ministre du Commerce et de l'Industrie était hier en fin d'après midi dans les locaux de la Direction Régionale des Douanes Niamey – Tillabéry.
— LeDirect (@LeDirect_) September 13, 2023
Seydou Asman est allé constater l'arrivée de 265 camions de marchandises diverses en provenance du Burkina Faso ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/WzRX4U25sP
