CNN Indonesia
Friday, 28 Jul 2023 20:04 WIB
The presidential guard of Niger declares a coup against his country’s government. (AFP)
Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —
Bos Wagner Group Yevgeny Prigozhin offers his mercenaries to fully support Niger’s presidential guard which is staging a coup against the country’s government.
Prigozhin himself is thought to be in Africa after fleeing Russia following a rebellion against the government Vladimir Putin.
A voice recording on the Telegram social media allegedly belonging to Wagner stated that Prigozhin was not involved in the coup. However, he is said to have described the coup as a long-awaited moment of liberation from Western colonialists.
The coup was also seen as a moment for his troops to maintain order during the coup.
“What is happening in Niger is nothing but a struggle for the people of Niger against the colonialists. Against the colonialists who are trying to impose their rule on people’s lives and trying to keep Africa as it was hundreds of years ago,” Wagner’s statement was quoted as saying. Reuters.
The speaker on the tape is thought to be Wagner’s boss, but Reuters could not immediately confirm that.
“Today they effectively gained their independence. The rest is without a doubt up to the people of Niger and how effective their government is,” the speaker said.
“But the main thing is this: they have removed the occupiers,” he said.
The audio recording is another sign that Prigozhin and his men are still active in Africa. They are also noted to still have contracts with countries such as the Central African Republic and are trying to expand their network on the continent.
It is not yet clear who is in power in Niger after the army declared a military coup and arrested President Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday (26/7).
Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world. However, the country is rich in uranium reserves which are highly sought after by powerful countries for nuclear raw materials.
The country declared their independence from France in 1960.
(one/bac)
2023-07-28 13:04:02
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