Threatened with invasion by African countries, the Niger junta which put down President Mohamed Bazoum has asked for the help of Wagner Group mercenaries. Photo/REUTERS
NIAMEY – Junta Niger, who staged a military coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, is reported to have enlisted the help of Russian mercenaries; Wagner Group.
This happened after Niger’s neighboring African countries threatened to intervene militarily if power was not returned to President Bazoum on Sunday (6/8/2023).
General Salifou Moody, a key figure in Niger’s junta, is alleged to have made a request for assistance to the Wagner Group during a visit to a neighboring country; Mali.
According to reports APGeneral Moody met with representatives of Wagner during the visit.
Report AP it quotes French journalists; Wassim Nasr, a senior researcher at the Soufan Center.
The meeting was first reported by France 24and Nasr said he had confirmed the talks with a French diplomat and three people familiar with the matter in Mali.
“They need (Wagner) because they will be their guarantee to hold power,” Nasr told APclaiming that Wagner was considering the request.
Neither Wagner nor Russian government officials commented on the alleged requests for help by Niger’s junta.
2023-08-06 00:19:43
#African #Countries #Threatened #Invasion #Niger #Junta #Asks #Wagners
