Russia Cautions Against Military Intervention in Niger as Ecowas Gathers Standby Force
Amidst the unfolding Niger coup crisis, Russia has issued a stern caution against any potential military intervention by regional bloc Ecowas, warning of a “protracted confrontation” and the destabilization of the entire Sahel region.
Although Russia does not officially endorse the coup, the situation has drawn attention from the US, which alleges that its Wagner mercenary group is capitalizing on the instability.
Tensions escalated as coup supporters, some brandishing Russian flags, staged protests near a French military base close to the capital, NIamey, expressing their dissatisfaction with both France and Ecowas.
Both France and the US maintain military bases in Niger, utilizing them for counter-terrorism operations against extremist groups in the broader region.
Reports indicate that military officials from Ecowas nations are poised to convene to devise potential strategies for a military intervention, although the bloc remains open to exploring diplomatic avenues to resolve the crisis.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu underscored that all options, including the use of force as a last resort, remain on the table, while the US has implored the junta to step down and facilitate the reinstatement of democratic governance.
Despite these developments, the Niger junta has yet to respond to the latest pronouncements from Ecowas leaders.
Concurrently, concerns are mounting for the well-being of deposed leader Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under captivity since the military assumed power on July 26.
Reports have emerged of the dire conditions faced by Bazoum and his family, including deprivation of essential resources such as food, electricity, and medical care, prompting condemnation from EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
UN rights commissioner Volker Turk has also received credible accounts suggesting that the detainees’ circumstances could potentially amount to inhuman and degrading treatment.
Human Rights Watch has further shed light on the situation, quoting Mr. Bazoum’s statements describing the treatment of him and his family as “inhuman and cruel,” particularly highlighting the urgent medical needs of his ailing son.
