The military government in Niger has reportedly reached out to the Russian mercenary group Wagner for assistance as the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, threatens possible military intervention if the country’s deposed president is not released. General Salifou Mody, one of the leaders of the coup, made contact with Wagner during a visit to neighboring Mali, according to journalist Wassim Nasr. This meeting has been confirmed by three Malian sources and a French diplomat.
The military government sees Wagner as a guarantee to maintain their hold on power, and the private military company is said to be considering the request. ECOWAS has set a deadline for the release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum, who describes himself as a hostage. The bloc’s defense chiefs have finalized an intervention plan and urged member states to prepare resources after a mediation team was denied access to the military government leader.
General Mody, after his visit to Mali, warned against military intervention and promised that Niger would not become “a new Libya.” The military government in Niger has rejected former colonizer France and turned to Russia for support. Wagner has been accused of human rights abuses in countries where it operates, including Mali.
Some residents of Niger view the military takeover as a sham, accusing the military leaders of undermining constitutional order while opposing foreign interference. The military leaders are following the playbook of Mali and Burkina Faso, neighboring countries also governed by military regimes. It remains to be seen how the international community will react if Wagner becomes involved. In the past, the French military was removed from Mali after Wagner’s arrival, and Wagner was later designated as a “terrorist” organization by the United States.
The outcome of a possible regional intervention in Niger is uncertain. The military government has called on the population to watch out for spies, while self-organized defense groups have mobilized to monitor the capital. The imposition of travel and economic sanctions by ECOWAS following the coup has led to rising prices and limited access to cash in Niger. The country’s partnerships with the US and other international allies, who have provided significant military assistance, are also at stake.