Russia warns against military intervention in Niger
3 min read
Russia warns ECOWAS against military action in Niger after the West African block put their forces on standby
Russia warns ECOWAS against military action in Niger after the West African block put their forces on standby.
Military action against coup leaders in Niger would lead to a “protracted confrontation”, Russia has warned.
In a statement issued on Friday, Russia’s foreign ministry warned other West African nations not to send troops into Niger.
It said: “We believe that a military solution to the crisis in Niger could lead to a protracted confrontation in that African country, and to a sharp destabilization of the situation in the Sahara-Sahel region as a whole.”
The warning comes after on Friday, the West African bloc Ecowas approved a “standby force” in response to the military takeover in Niger, and Ivory Coast’s president said it could be deployed “as soon as possible”.
The US and its Western allies have backed efforts to restore Niger’s deposed leader Mohamed Bazoum.
Russia has not formally backed the coup but the collapse of Niger’s democracy risks pitting Russia against the West in a proxy stand-off.
Both France and the US operate military bases in Niger, which have been used to launch operations against jihadist groups present in the wider region.
Supporters of the military junta have called on Western nations to leave the country and voiced support for Russia.
On Friday protesters were seen chanting “Down with France, down with Ecowas” at a French base on the outskirts of the capital city Niamey.
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Some were carrying Russian flags, AFP reported, and voiced support for Abdourahamane Tiani, the general now running the country.
Military officials from Ecowas countries are reportedly set to meet on Saturday to draft plans for a military intervention.
The bloc has said it remains open to finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis, but Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu said on Thursday: “No option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.”
The US has not explicitly backed military action but has called on the junta to step aside and allow the restoration of the country’s democratic constitution.
In a statement, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said: “The United States appreciates the determination of Ecowas to explore all options for the peaceful resolution of the crisis.”
Separately, Mr. Blinken said he believes the Russian mercenary group Wagner could seek to take advantage of instability in Niger.
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