After last month’s military coup in Niger, former colonial ruler France and the European Union suspended security cooperation and financial help to the country, while the U.S. warned that its aid could be at risk. The Economic Community of West African States, currently chaired by Nigeria, imposed stringent sanctions, and Nigeria even cut off its supply of power to the country. A threatened ECOWAS military intervention, however, has yet to materialize. Russia’s government publicly condemned the coup, but Russian flags and pro-Russian placards have decorated the streets of Niamey. Moscow also warned that foreign interference would not help Niger. The Wagner Group, already prevalent in the region, praised the coup leaders and offered its services.
Tumult in Niger
The coup leaders in the West African country show no signs of giving up.
Special Collection – The Middle East