The crises in Niger Republic is taking a very serious dimension as speculations of the involvement of the of world supper powers is beginning to emerge, with various international organisations joining in fueling or solving the crises.
First international organisation to delve into the political challenge in Niger Republic was the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS followed by others including the continental body, African Union, the European Union, EU and the United Nations.
On the other side are the Russian group which includes China and their allies, especially Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea who are having altercations with France, its colonial master
There are reports that the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, has entered Mali with troops, weaponry, and ammunition, adding a new dimension to the crisis following the military coup in Niger Republic.
They claim to be supporting the Mali military in countering terrorists and pursuing other interests. The Wagner Group’s deployment in Mali is reported by Al-Jazeera.
Mali, as earlier mentioned is governed by military has publicly endorsed the coup in Niger and denounced sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) post the coup. They’ve firmly pledged their solidarity with Niger, opposing any potential application of force against the junta.
In a concrete demonstration of their commitment, both nations have reportedly dispatched troops to Niamey, ready to provide backup for the Niger military.
The ECOWAS, having rejected Niger coup leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani’s three-year transition proposal, continues to hold the option of employing force should diplomatic negotiations falter.
The junta remains resolute in its refusal to heed ECOWAS’ position. The presence of Wagner Group in Mali, which shares a substantial border with Niger, is perceived as bolstering support for the junta.
Having received a plea for assistance from the coup leaders, Prigozhin confirmed the readiness of his team to extend support.
An ex-Russian official alleged a conspiracy between Wagner Group, and the Russian state to facilitate the military coup in Niger. Russian military blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk, operating under the pseudonym “Rybar,” asserted, “The recent coup in Niger was carried out in close cooperation with Russian special services and Private Military Company (PMC) consultants.”
The junta wrestled control recently, overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum’s administration and detaining him within the Presidential Palace in Niamey.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the ECOWAS Envoy to Niger Republic, expressed his optimism that the situation is unlikely to deteriorate. Following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Gen. Abdulsalami conveyed his assurance.
He disclosed his role in conveying the junta’s peace proposals to ECOWAS, with ongoing communication between the regional bloc and Niger’s military rulers.
Highlighting the effectiveness of his envoy position in fostering communication, the former Head of State noted that President Tinubu would engage with his counterparts to chart the way forward.
Meanwhile, the African Union (AU) has suspended Niger’s membership and endorsed ECOWAS’ endeavors to reinstate democratic governance. The AU’s stance on the potential use of military force however remains undisclosed.
