Niger: Junta seeks deployment of Wagner fighters
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Junta leaders in Niger
Junta controlled government in Niger Republic, has called for help from Wagner group—a private military owned by Russia federation as the deadline given to it’s by the regional bloc—ECOWAS to release the country’s ousted president or face possible military action elapses.
The request came during a visit by a coup leader, Gen. Salifou Mody, to neighboring Mali, where he contacted someone from Wagner, Wassim Nasr, a journalist and senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, told The Associated Press.
He said three Malian sources and a French diplomat confirmed the meeting, as reported by France 24.
“They need (Wagner) because they will become their guarantee to hold onto power,” he said, noting the group is considering the request. A Western military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AP they also heard reports that the junta asked for help from Wagner in Mali.
Niger’s junta faces a Sunday deadline set by the regional bloc, ECOWAS, to release and restore the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who described himself as a hostage.
Defense chiefs from ECOWAS member states finalized an intervention plan Friday and urged militaries to prepare resources after a mediation team sent to Niger on Thursday wasn’t allowed to enter the capital or meet with junta leader Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Nigeria’s Senate advised the nation’s president, the current ECOWAS chair, to further explore options other than the use of force.
