US and Russian Mercenaries Clash Over Chaos in Niger
London/Moscow – The United States and Russia’s Wagner mercenary group traded accusations on Tuesday over the deepening chaos in the coup-hit West African nation of Niger.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused the Russian mercenary group of taking advantage of Niger’s instability. In an interview with BBC, Blinken expressed concerns about the Wagner group “possibly manifesting itself” in the Sahel region. He clarified that the events in Niger were not instigated by Russia or Wagner, but they attempted to capitalize on the situation.
Blinken’s remarks came after Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner, suggested that the US might recognize the military rulers in Niger to prevent potential intervention by the Russian private army. Prigozhin made this statement in an audio recording shared on the messaging app Telegram, in reference to the visit of the US State Department’s Deputy Secretary, Victoria Nuland, to Niger.
Niger is currently under military rule after coup leaders deposed and detained the democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum almost two weeks ago. Reports suggest that Niger’s military has sought support from Wagner to counter the growing threat of military intervention amid escalating chaos in the region. President Bazoum himself has expressed concerns about Wagner’s increasing influence in Africa.
The Wagner group has faced allegations of death, destruction, and exploitation in every place they have operated. Their involvement in Niger has raised concerns about the potential consequences for the country’s stability and the wider Sahel region.
Meanwhile, the crisis in Niger continues to deepen, with meaningful progress remaining elusive. Last week, President Bazoum appealed to the US and other nations for assistance in reestablishing constitutional order in the country. However, the visit of Deputy Secretary Nuland did not result in significant breakthroughs.
The clash between the US and Russian mercenary groups highlights the complexity of the situation in Niger and the potential for international power struggles to exacerbate the crisis. As the country grapples with political instability, it is essential for the international community to coordinate efforts and support Niger in restoring peace and democratic governance.
The developments in Niger not only have implications for the country’s own stability but also for the wider Sahel region, which is already facing numerous challenges including terrorism, armed conflict, and humanitarian crises. It is crucial for all stakeholders to work towards a peaceful resolution and prevent further escalation of the crisis in Niger.
Original Story at www.laprensalatina.com – 2023-08-08 14:16:01
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