Niamey, Niger - As the deadline approaches for Niger's military government to release the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, the coup generals have sought help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner to bolster their grip on power. The West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, has threatened possible military intervention if the democratically elected president is not reinstated. The military leaders have turned to Wagner to ensure their continued hold on power, according to journalist Wassim Nasr, who is a senior research fellow at the Soufan Center.
General Salifou Mody, one of the coup leaders, made contact with a representative from Wagner during his visit to neighboring Mali, where he sought support. This meeting has been confirmed by three Malian sources and a French diplomat.
"Niger's military government sees Wagner as their guarantee to retain power," Nasr stated. However, the private military company is still considering the request.
President Bazoum has described himself as a hostage, and ECOWAS set a deadline for his release and reinstatement. In response, the regional bloc's defense chiefs finalized an intervention plan, urging member states to prepare resources. A mediation team sent to Niger was denied entry and access to General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader of the military government.
During his visit to Mali, General Mody warned against military intervention, pledging that Niger would avoid becoming "a new Libya," as reported by Niger's state television. The military leaders' decision to seek assistance from Wagner has raised concerns about potential consequences for the region.
Niger has been a key partner in the fight against terrorism in the West African region. However, the military government has turned away from former colonizer France and sought support from Russia and Wagner.
"Some residents of Niger rejected the military's takeover," said Amad Hassane Boubacar, a University of Niamey professor. "They are opposing foreign interference while willing to collaborate with Wagner and Russia to maintain their position illegally. It's quite ironic."
Nasr pointed out that Niger's military leaders are following the playbook of neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, where military governments are consolidating power. The question now is how the international community will react if Wagner becomes involved. The United States previously designated Wagner as a "terrorist" organization after it entered Mali, leading to the removal of French military support.
The potential regional intervention remains uncertain, and its scope and timing are yet to be defined. Niger's military government has called on the population to be vigilant against spies, and self-organized defense groups have mobilized to patrol the capital at night.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS sanctions imposed after the coup have resulted in closed borders and suspended commercial and financial transactions with member countries, leading to rising prices and limited access to cash. Sita Adamou, president of Niger's Association to Defend Human Rights, expressed concern about the potential impact on essential supplies like food, medicine, and fuel.
