In the midst of the ongoing crisis in Niger, Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a peaceful resolution to the situation.
The call comes after Mali’s military leader, Assimi Goita, reached out to Putin to discuss the recent coup in Niger, which led to the ousting of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
During the conversation, Putin stressed the importance of finding a peaceful solution in order to achieve stability in the Sahel region. This is significant considering the strategic importance of Niger, not only to Russia but also to the United States, China, and Europe. With its valuable natural resources such as uranium and oil, as well as its role as a military hub in the fight against armed groups in the region, Niger has garnered the attention of major global powers.
The fact that the call was initiated by Mali, rather than Russia, is notable. It suggests that Mali recognizes the importance of international cooperation in resolving the crisis in Niger. Both leaders emphasized the need for a peaceful and diplomatic approach to settling the situation.
However, this call for a peaceful resolution has raised concerns among Western governments, who fear Russia’s increasing influence in the Sahel. Western powers and democratic African governments have been urging the coup leaders to reinstate President Bazoum and have called for negotiations. Yet, the coup leaders have thus far rejected these attempts at diplomacy.
Amidst the tensions and uncertainties surrounding the crisis, West African army chiefs are set to meet in Ghana to discuss a possible military intervention. The Economic Community of West African States, the main regional bloc, has threatened to launch a military intervention if diplomatic efforts fail.
This raises questions about the effectiveness and potential consequences of a military intervention in Niger. While ECOWAS and other Western powers may see it as a necessary step towards restoring democracy and stability, such an intervention could have unintended consequences and further escalate the conflict.
While Russian influence has been on the rise, Western influence has diminished following a series of coup d’etats in recent years. Military leaders in Mali and Burkina Faso have expelled French troops, their former colonial power, and strengthened ties with Moscow.
In Mali, the army government has even enlisted the services of mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner Group. However, these mercenaries have faced accusations of executing civilians and committing severe human rights violations.
Niger, under President Bazoum’s leadership, has remained an ally of the West. The US, France, Germany, and Italy all maintain troops in Niger through agreements with the previous civilian government that was deposed during the coup.
While Putin has called for a return to constitutional order in Niger, Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of Wagner Group, welcomed the army takeover and offered assistance.
Since the coup, pro-Russia sentiment seems to have surged in Niger. Supporters can be seen waving Russian flags at rallies and demanding French disengagement.
The new coup leaders in Niger have revoked several military agreements with France; however, Paris does not recognize their authority and remains unaffected by this decision.
News Agencies contributed to this report
