A group of soldiers seized power in the West African state of Niger this week. According to the UN, there are currently no signs of Wagner’s presence.
In Niger, the leader of the coup, Gen Abdourahamane Tchianiannounced himself as the country’s new leader in a televised speech on Friday.
Tchiani is the 50-year-old head of the presidential guard. The coup began on Wednesday.
President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum is under arrest, apparently at home. The following year, Bazoum was elected president in the first free elections after Niger’s independence. The country gained independence from France in 1960.
In a televised speech, the usurpers also warn outsiders against meddling militarily in the country’s events
France still talks about ‘attempted takeover’
Among others, France and the United States have strongly condemned the hijacking. President Emmanuel Macron says he has been in contact with the arrested Bazoumi, who Macron says is fine. The French foreign minister has described the events in the media as an “attempted hijacking”.
It is still unclear what consequences the hijacking will have on Niger’s international relations. The UN said on Friday that it will continue distributing food aid. According to the UN, more than four million people need humanitarian assistance.
The EU says in its statement that cutting aid is possible. The EU and the United States have given Niger considerable aid, for example to fight against extremist Islamists.
Wagner’s manager offered to help
Like its neighboring countries, Niger has been struggling against armed groups and extremist Islamist organizations. Niger has been described as the West’s last ally in the fight against extremist groups.
Cooperation has not led to the defeat of extremist movements in the Sahel region. France withdrew from Niger’s neighboring country, Mali, the following year. Instead, Mali is estimated to have applied for cooperation with the Russian mercenary company Wagner, although Mali’s management does not officially acknowledge the matter.
In Niamey, the capital of Niger, people shouted slogans in support of Wagner on Friday, reports AP.
– We are fed up. Down with France! We are going to cooperate with Wagner, said the protester Omar Issaka.
Also by Wagner’s director Yevgeny Prigozhin reportedly offered the Niger hijackers his help. UN representative in Niger Nicole Kouassi said on Friday, however, that the UN has no information about Wagner’s presence in Niger.
– From the perspective of the UN, we have no observation about Wagner, Kouassi said.
Sources: AP, AFP