Niger’s military junta asks Wagner fighters for help

Supporters of Niger’s ruling junta hoist a Russian flag. Pic/AP

Niger's new military junta has asked for help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner as the deadline nears for it to release the country's ousted president or face possible military intervention by the West African regional bloc, according to an analyst.

The request came during a visit by a coup leader, Gen. Salifou Mody, to neighboring Mali, where he made contact with someone from Wagner, Wassim Nasr, a journalist and senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, told The Associated Press. He said three Malian sources and a French diplomat confirmed the meeting first reported by France 24.

"They need (Wagner) because they will become their guarantee to hold onto power," he said, adding that the group is considering the request. A Western military official told the AP they have also heard reports that the junta asked for help from Wagner in Mali.

Deadline for reinstating president arrives

The deadline has arrived Sunday for Niger's military junta to reinstate the country's ousted president, but the West Africa regional bloc that has threatened a military intervention faces prominent appeals to pursue more peaceful means. Neighboring Nigeria's Senate on Saturday pushed back against the plan by the regional bloc known as ECOWAS, urging Nigeria's president, the bloc's current chair, to explore options other than the use of force. ECOWAS can still move ahead with the plan, as final decisions are taken after a consensus by member states.

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