War Looms as Russian Mercenary, Wagner Group Instructors Reportedly Arrive Niger Republic Ahead of ECOWAS Deadline
By THECONSCIENCEng
Multiple sources have reported the arrival of Wagner instructors in Niamey, the capital of Niger, following the recent coup d’état.
The Wagner group, under the leadership of Yevgeny Prigozhin, has lauded the coup and suggested its readiness to support the coup plotters. Despite widespread condemnation from the international community, including African states, the Russian mercenary leader Prigozhin expressed a distinct perspective on the situation.
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Prigozhin celebrated the coup on social media, where he blamed the situation on the residual effects of colonialism.
He also made claims, without providing substantiated evidence, that Western nations were sponsoring terrorist activities in the country. Niger, a former French colony, was one of the few democracies in the region prior to the recent coup.
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Engagements
Reports surfaced last Friday indicating that the coup plotters have established contact with the Wagner group. The two parties reportedly discussed potential ways in which the group could aid the coup, particularly as sanctions from West African countries increase pressure on post-coup era.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including Nigeria, has also threatened to employ military force against the coup plotters. The looming threat of a military invasion, particularly as a deadline set by ECOWAS approaches, could have prompted the coup orchestrators to seek immediate assistance from the Wagner group.
An analyst has suggested that the new military junta in has sought help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner as the ECOWAS deadline for the release of the ousted president draws near. If the junta fails to comply, it could face possible military intervention from the West African regional bloc.
Reports of military movements on the Niger and Nigeria border emerged on Saturday morning, underscoring the growing tensions in the region. The precise reason for the Wagner instructors’ arrival in Niamey is yet to be confirmed, and the reports have not disclosed whether this presence involves any military support or weaponry.
As of now, an ECOWAS delegation, sent to negotiate with the coup plotters, is also in Niger. They arrived less than a week ago, raising the stakes in this rapidly unfolding political crisis.
CREDIT: https://bnn.network/
