Niger’s Junta Open to Talks as Regional Crisis Looms – Russia and U.S. Urge Peaceful Resolution

Niger’s junta expressed its willingness to engage in talks to resolve the regional crisis caused by last month’s military coup, while both Russia and the United States called for a peaceful resolution. However, the coup leaders have rejected attempts at negotiation and refused to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained since July 26. In response, West African army chiefs will meet in Ghana to prepare for a possible military intervention if diplomatic efforts fail. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has threatened to launch the intervention, which could further destabilize the Sahel region, already plagued by insurgency and a hunger crisis.

Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, appointed by the military, stated that the country is in a process of transition and emphasized the need for independence. The coup in Niger has attracted the attention of international powers with strategic interests in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Mali’s military leader about the coup, causing concern among Western governments worried about growing Russian influence in the Sahel. Putin stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution for a more stable Sahel. The United States, through Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh, expressed its commitment to a diplomatic resolution and emphasized that Niger is a partner it does not want to lose.

The regional bloc ECOWAS has the support of Central Africa’s regional bloc ECCAS in its efforts to overturn the coup and restore constitutional order. Nigerian President and ECOWAS Chairman Bola Tinubu stated that they are working to keep sanctions in place and are following them strictly. Russian influence in West Africa has grown as the West’s influence has waned due to a series of coups. Military leaders in Mali and Burkina Faso have expelled troops from former colonial power France and strengthened ties with Moscow. In Mali, the army government has even brought in mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group, who have been accused of human rights abuses.

Under Bazoum, Niger remained a Western ally, with troops from the US, France, Germany, and Italy stationed there under agreements with the now-deposed civilian government. Putin has called for a return to constitutional order in Niger, while Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin welcomed the army takeover and offered his services. Support for Russia has surged in Niger since the coup, with junta supporters waving Russian flags at rallies and calling for France to disengage. The coup leaders have revoked several military agreements with France, although Paris has dismissed this by stating that it does not recognize them as legitimate authorities.

What are the potential risks of a military intervention in the crisis in Niger, particularly considering the existing insurgency and hunger crisis in the Sahel region

For a peaceful and negotiated solution to the crisis. He expressed the junta’s willingness to engage in talks to resolve the regional crisis caused by the military coup that took place in Niger last month. Both Russia and the United States have also called for a peaceful resolution to the situation.

However, the coup leaders have rejected attempts at negotiation and have refused to reinstate former President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained since July 26. This has raised concerns about the stability of the region, especially considering the already existing insurgency and hunger crisis in the Sahel region.

In response to the junta’s refusal, West African army chiefs will meet in Ghana to discuss and prepare for a possible military intervention if diplomatic efforts fail. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc, has threatened to launch an intervention, which could further destabilize the Sahel region.

Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, who was appointed by the military, emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution and stressed that the country is going through a transition period. He acknowledged the importance of negotiations in order to find a solution to the crisis.