Niger military regime against deployment of Wagner Group

Niamey/Washington – On Monday, a senior US State Department official Victoria Nuland visited Niger. She is said to have had talks with senior officials of the military government of Niger. In this discussion, Nuland sternly warned the Niger government on the issue of the possible deployment of Russia’s Wagner Group. While the US announced a suspension of aid to Niger last week, the visit of a senior official like Nuland to Niger after this becomes noteworthy.

Nuland, the US State Department’s Under Secretary for Political Affairs, is recognised as a senior political official. Besides, she is said to have a key role in many events in Europe, including the uprising in Ukraine in the last decade. She is also known as a strong anti-Russian officer.

It came to the fore two days ago that the Niger government had sought help from the Russian Wagner Group. Western media, such as France 24 and Associated Press, published reports about it. In addition, A senior military official from Niger visited Mali last week. Senior Officer General Salifou Modi met with the officials of the Wagner Group in Mali during the visit. Besides, General Modi is said to have demanded his deployment in Niger to the Wagner Group.

Moreover, the demand of the military government of Niger has caused unrest in the US and European countries. It has surfaced in the last few years that Russia has increased its influence in Africa with the help of the Wagner Group. Mali and the Central African Republic of Africa have also deployed Wagner Group troops in large numbers. The Russian private mercenary company has also established its bases in these countries. Apart from this, Wagner Group is also said to have a presence in countries like Sudan, Kenya, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon.

Furthermore, Western countries hold their influence in Niger, and the US and France have established their bases here. Given this background, the entry of the Wagner Group in Niger is an alarm bell for Western countries. As a result, the US has started intense political activities, and Nuland’s visit seems to be a part of this. Nuland discussed with Niger military chief General Moussa Barmou and three senior commanders. It has emerged that she has warned against the deployment of the Wagner Group.

Referring to the Wagner Group protests in different countries, Nuland drew attention to the situation in those countries. She also warned that Niger military regime would realise the dangers that would emerge after the entry of the Russian private mercenary company. Besides, sources have claimed that the Niger authorities heard the statement of the US official but have not given any assurance to her. At the same time, it reveals that Nuland was denied the opportunity to meet President Bazoum of Niger.

Moreover, General Tchiani’s leadership led a revolt against President Bazoum last month. The US and European countries reacted sharply to the overthrow of Bazoum’s regime, which was working under the influence of Western countries. In addition, the EU, the UK and France have stopped financial aid to Niger. The Western countries have also put forth a demand to the army for the release of President Bazoum.

In such a situation, the organisation of West African Countries (ECOWAS) warned the Niger military to surrender the reins of power to Bazoum with a deadline of seven days. Moreover, the West African countries had threatened to take direct military action if the Niger military did not meet this demand within this stipulated period. However, the Niger military has rejected the threat and Mali and Burkina Faso have warned of their readiness to help support the military regime.

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