The Russian mercenary group Wagner has reportedly made its presence known in Mali, with intentions to extend support to the military coup leaders in Niger. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner, stated that the group’s deployment to Mali was aimed at aiding the Mali military government in combating terrorism and other matters of interest.
These developments unfold amidst the ongoing situation involving Niger’s military coup.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has threatened military intervention in Niger if the coup leaders do not transfer power back to the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum.
ECOWAS rejected a three-year transition plan proposed by coup leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani, maintaining the potential use of force if peaceful negotiations fail.
Reports suggest that the Wagner mercenary group, currently situated in Mali with personnel, weaponry, and ammunition, is inclined to support the coup leaders in Niger. Mali and Burkina Faso, both governed by military juntas, have expressed solidarity with Niger’s coupists and criticized the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS and the African Union (AU).
These countries have indicated their readiness to resist any use of force against the Niger junta and have reportedly dispatched troops to Niamey in support of the Niger military.
Amidst these developments, the Niger junta has asserted its disregard for ECOWAS’ stance. Furthermore, a former Russian official, using the alias “Rybar,” has claimed that Wagner and Russian state entities collaborated to orchestrate the military coup in Niger, suggesting a deeper connection between Russian interests and the unfolding situation in the region.
READ OTHER STORIES:
Alleged N6.9bn Fraud: Emefiele’s Arraignment Stalled Again
Troops Foil IPOB/ESN Attack In Imo, Ambush Insurgents In Zamfara
FAAC Shares N966bn to Federal, States LGs as July Allocation
Meeting With Niger Coup Leaders Fruitful, Nobody wants war – Abdulsalami
