1 year, 4 months ago

Niger’s junta asks for help from Russian group Wagner as it faces military intervention threat

NIAMEY, Niger — 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. After his visit to Mali, run by a sympathetic junta, Mody warned against a military intervention, vowing that Niger would do what it takes not to become “a new Libya,” Niger’s state television reported Friday. It isn’t possible to say Russia is directly involved in Niger’s coup, but “clearly, there’s an opportunistic attitude on the part of Russia, which tries to support destabilization efforts wherever it finds them,” French foreign affairs ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre told broadcaster BFM on Friday. Niger’s military leaders have been following the playbook of Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso, also run by a junta, but they’re moving faster to consolidate power, Nasr said: “ chose his path, so he’s going full on it without wasting time because there’s international mobilization.” One question is how the international community will react if Wagner comes in, he said.

France Russia Nigeria Intervention French Russian Nasr Wagner Mali Niger Ecowas Military Junta Constitutional Order russia mali threat wagner group ecowas nigers niger russian military junta told help intervention faces

History of this topic

1 month, 1 week ago

Niger junta suspends French humanitarian group amid ongoing tensions with France

Firstpost

Niger’s military junta has revoked the licences of the French aid group Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development and the local NGO APBE, without citing reasons, signalling a shift from Western partnerships towards Russian alliances after last year’s coup Niger’s military junta has banned the French aid group Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development, or Acted, from working in the …

4 months, 4 weeks ago

A year after Niger’s coup, split political loyalties test family ties

Al Jazeera

While many Nigeriens have welcomed the military rulers, others question their rhetoric and approach towards governance. Niamey, Niger – “No talk of politics today,” Aissata* said to her teenage daughter on the way to her parents’ house for their traditional Sunday gathering in Niamey. Upon assuming power, the military pledged to put an end to what they labelled the “exploitation …

4 months, 4 weeks ago

A year has passed since Niger’s dramatic coup. Life has become more dangerous and desperate

Associated Press

ABUJA, Nigeria — When a group of military officers appeared on state television in Niger one year ago to make a dramatic announcement of a coup, they said they deposed the West African nation’s elected government for two key reasons: its security, and economic crises. “Niger’s army is running out of material with the retreat of Western forces which the …

5 months, 4 weeks ago

Nigeria: At least 21 soldiers killed in ambush by 'terrorist group,' ruling junta says

India TV News

Niamey : An ambush by a “terrorist group” killed 21 Nigerien soldiers near the country's border with Burkina Faso on Tuesday, Niger's ruling military junta said in a statement read on national television. Niger and neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso are also battling movements linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State extremist group in a decade-long conflict in the Sahel …

6 months, 1 week ago

Niger’s highest court lifts immunity of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum

Associated Press

DAKAR, Senegal — Niger’s highest court lifted the immunity of the country’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, nearly a year after he was overthrown by mutinous soldiers, his lawyer said Friday, opening the door for the military junta to prosecute him for alleged high treason. The junta authorities said they planned to prosecute him for “high treason” and for undermining …

8 months ago

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay

Associated Press

DAKAR, Senegal — The United States is attempting to create a new military agreement with Niger that would allow it to remain in the country, weeks after the junta said its presence was no longer justified, two Western officials told The Associated Press Friday. Niger plays a central role in the U.S. military’s operations in Africa’s Sahel region, Washington is …

8 months ago

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay

The Independent

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The United States is attempting …

9 months ago

US weighing options in Africa after Niger junta orders departure from key counterterrorism base

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is working with Niger officials, seeking a way for U.S. troops to stay in the country — a key base for counterterrorism operations in sub-Saharan Africa — following a weekend directive that they leave. Last week a high level-delegation of U.S. officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary of Defense …

9 months, 1 week ago

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation

The Hindu

The United States scrambled on March 17 to assess the future of its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel after Niger's junta said it was ending its years-long military cooperation with Washington following a visit by top U.S. officials. Top U.S. envoy Molly Phee returned to the capital, Niamey, this week to meet with senior government officials, accompanied by Marine Gen. …

9 months, 1 week ago

US military operations across the Sahel are at risk after Niger ends cooperation

Associated Press

DAKAR, Senegal — The United States scrambled on Sunday to assess the future of its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel after Niger’s junta said it was ending its yearslong military cooperation with Washington following a visit by top U.S. officials. Top U.S. envoy Molly Phee returned to the capital, Niamey, this week to meet with senior government officials, accompanied by …

9 months, 1 week ago

U.S. military operations across the Sahel region at risk after Niger ends cooperation

LA Times

Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, front center, makes a statement on July 26, 2023, in Niamey, Niger, as a delegation of military officers appeared on Niger State TV announcing their coup d’etat. The U.S. is scrambling to assess its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region of Africa after the ruling junta in Niger said it was ending military cooperation with Washington. …

11 months ago

Blinken pitches the US as an alternative to Russia’s Wagner in Africa’s troubled Sahel

Associated Press

ABUJA, Nigeria — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday pitched the United States as a better security partner for Africa in place of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, which he accused of exploiting coup-hit and conflict-hit nations in the continent’s Sahel region. Blinken, who is visiting Nigeria as part of an Africa tour to strengthen bilateral relations, said the …

1 year ago

France completes military withdrawal from Niger, leaving a gap in the terror fight in the Sahel

Associated Press

ABUJA, Nigeria — France on Friday completed the withdrawal of its troops after they were asked to leave Niger by the country’s new junta, ending years of on-the-ground military support and raising concerns from analysts about a gap in the fight against jihadi violence across the Sahel region of Africa. France already announced this week that it would close its …

1 year ago

In coup-hit West Africa, regional leaders recognize Niger’s junta but seek fast return to democracy

Associated Press

ABUJA, Nigeria — West African heads of state on Sunday officially recognized the junta in power in Niger, but said their sanctions to reverse the July coup in the country would remain even as they initiate steps for a “short” period of transition to civilian rule. A team of heads of state would engage with the junta “to agree on …

1 year ago

West Africa court refuses to recognize Niger’s junta, rejects request to lift coup sanctions

The Independent

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

1 year ago

Niger’s junta revokes key security agreements with EU and turns to Russia for defense partnership

Associated Press

ABUJA, Nigeria — Niger’s junta on Monday scrapped two key military agreements that the West African nation signed with the European Union to help fight the violence in Africa’s Sahel region as the country’s army leaders and a senior Russian defense official discussed military cooperation. Before the coup that deposed the country’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, Niger had been the West …

1 year ago

Niger’s junta revokes key security agreements with EU and turns to Russia for defense partnership

The Independent

1 year ago

Niger’s junta revokes a key law that had slowed migration for Africans desperate to reach Europe

The Independent

1 year ago

Niger’s junta revokes a key law that had slowed migration for Africans desperate to reach Europe

Associated Press

ABUJA, Nigeria — Niger’s junta has signed a decree revoking a 2015 law that was enacted to curb the smuggling of migrants traveling from African countries through a key migration route in Niger en route to Europe, according to a government circular issued on Monday. “The convictions pronounced pursuant to said law and their effects shall be cancelled,” Niger’s junta …

1 year, 1 month ago

Niger’s junta asks West Africa’s court to compel neighbors to lift coup sanctions, citing hardship

Associated Press

ABUJA, Nigeria — Niger’s junta on Tuesday asked West Africa’s regional court to order the lifting of sanctions imposed on the country by its neighbors following a July coup in which the democratically elected president was deposed. “There is no sector of the Nigerien society that has not been affected by these sanctions” which have caused untold economic hardship in …

1 year, 1 month ago

Many in Niger are suffering under coup-related sanctions. Junta backers call it a worthy sacrifice

The Independent

1 year, 2 months ago

Lawyers call for ousted Niger president’s release after the junta says it foiled an escape attempt

Associated Press

DAKAR, Senegal — Lawyers for Niger’s ousted president called for his immediate release Friday, a day after the ruling military junta said it had thwarted an overnight attempt by the president to escape house arrest with his family nearly three months after he was detained in the wake of a coup. Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane said late Thursday in a …

1 year, 2 months ago

The US declares the ousting of Niger’s president a coup and suspends military aid and training

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The United States on Tuesday formally declared the ousting of Niger’s democratically-elected president a coup d’etat, more than two months after mutinous soldiers seized power. In August, Niger’s military rulers said they would restore constitutional order within three years and would decide on the country’s roadmap through the results from a national dialogue. The Biden administration had been …

1 year, 2 months ago

Blinken calls deposed Niger leader ahead of expected US declaration that his overthrow was a coup

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Niger’s deposed President Mohamed Bazoum ahead of an expected decision by the Biden administration to formally declare that his overthrow was a coup d’etat. The State Department said Blinken called Bazoum on Monday to stress that a restoration of a freely elected government remains the best way for Niger to not only …

1 year, 2 months ago

Extremist attack kills at least 12 soldiers in Niger as jihadi violence increases post-coup

Associated Press

NIAMEY, Niger — An attack by Islamic extremists in western Niger killed at least a dozen soldiers and wounded seven others, the West African nation’s military junta said. The soldiers were on a mission in the Tillaberi region town of Kandadji when hundreds of jihadis on motorcycles attacked them Thursday, Gen. Salifou Mody, Niger’s defense minister, said in a statement. …

1 year, 2 months ago

France's withdrawal from Niger could jeopardize counterterrorism operations in the Sahel

The Independent

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In response, the junta welcomed the end of “imperialist and neo-colonialist forces" and said …

1 year, 3 months ago

Niger’s junta accuses United Nations chief of blocking its participation at General Assembly

Associated Press

ABUJA, Nigeria — The military government that seized power in Niger has accused United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of “obstructing” the West African nation’s full participation at the U.N.'s annual meeting of world leaders in order to appease France, Niger’s former colonizer, and its allies. The decision to not allow the junta’s envoy to speak at the U.N. General Assembly …

1 year, 3 months ago

Deposed Nigerien president petitions West African regional court to order his release, reinstatement

Associated Press

ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerien president detained since July by the soldiers who deposed him has petitioned a regional court demanding his release and reinstatement, according to court documents seen by The Associated Press on Wednesday. The application was filed by his lawyer in the West African regional bloc of ECOWAS court in Nigeria’s capital of Abuja. “The first thing …

1 year, 3 months ago

Niger junta accuses France of amassing forces for a military intervention after the coup in July

The Hindu

Niger's new military leaders accused France of amassing forces for a possible military intervention in the country following the coup in July. Niger's junta spokesman, Maj. Amadou Abdramane, said that France is also considering collaborating in such an intervention with the Economic Community of West African States, a regional bloc known as ECOWAS. “France continues to deploy its forces in …

1 year, 3 months ago

Niger junta accuses France of amassing forces for a military intervention after the coup in July

Associated Press

ABUJA, Nigeria — Niger’s new military leaders accused France of amassing forces for a possible military intervention in the country following the coup in July. Niger’s junta spokesman, Maj. Amadou Abdramane, said that France is also considering collaborating in such an intervention with the Economic Community of West African States, a regional bloc known as ECOWAS. “France continues to deploy …

1 year, 3 months ago

Niger junta accuses France of amassing forces for a military intervention after the coup in July

The Independent

1 year, 3 months ago

Niger: Fresh anti-France protests erupt in Niamey as thousands demand withdrawal of French troops

India TV News

A fresh round of anti-France protests erupted in Niger's capital, Niamey, as thousands gathered on Saturday to demand the withdrawal of French troops from the country over a month after the military coup that ousted a democratically-elected government from power. The military administration in Niger had also announced the expulsion of France's Ambassador to Niger Sylvain Itte and gave him …

1 year, 3 months ago

Niger’s junta seeks to strengthen its grip on power and prepare for possible regional intervention

Associated Press

ABUJA, Nigeria — The mutinous soldiers who overthrew democratically elected Niger President Mohamed Bazoum announced a raft of measures over the weekend that analysts say are aimed at strengthening their grip on power while preparing to defend against any military attempt by regional leaders to reinstate Bazoum. Seidik Abba, a Nigerien researcher and president of the Paris-based International Center for …

1 year, 3 months ago

Niger’s junta invites Mali and Burkina Faso to aid its defense, asks the French ambassador to leave

Associated Press

ABUJA, Nigeria — Niger’s junta authorized troops from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso to come to its defense and asked the French ambassador to leave the country Friday, raising the stakes in a standoff with other West African nations who are threatening force to reinstate Niger’s democratically elected president. Gen. Abdrahmane Tchiani, signed two executive orders authorizing the “security forces …

1 year, 4 months ago

Niger junta’s 3-year transition plan is a ‘provocation,’ says West African regional bloc

Associated Press

NIAMEY, Niger — The West African bloc ECOWAS rejected the proposal by Niger’s mutinous soldiers for a three-year transition to democratic rule, with a commissioner describing the slow timeline as a provocation. The door for diplomacy with Niger’s junta remained open but the bloc is not going to engage in drawn-out talks that lead nowhere, Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS commissioner …

1 year, 4 months ago

The African Union suspends Niger until 'the effective restoration of constitutional order'

The Hindu

The African Union on August 22 suspended Niger from all of its institutions and activities “until the effective restoration of constitutional order” following last month's coup. Meanwhile, the military junta that seized power in Niger suspended authorization for German, Canadian and Czech nationals to import or carry weapons in the West African nation, a Western official told The Associated Press. …

1 year, 4 months ago

The African Union suspends Niger until ‘the effective restoration of constitutional order’

Associated Press

NIAMEY, Niger — The African Union on Tuesday suspended Niger from all of its institutions and activities “until the effective restoration of constitutional order” following last month’s coup. The Executive Council of the 55-nation bloc made the decision after mutinous soldiers overthrew Niger’s democratically elected president almost four weeks ago and quickly entrenched themselves in power, rebuffing most dialogue efforts. …

1 year, 4 months ago

Niger coup leader proposes a three-year transition of power

Al Jazeera

Abdourahmane Tchiani, who met an ECOWAS delegation in Niamey, also warns that any military intervention in Niger ‘will not be a walk in the park’ for those involved. Niger’s coup leader has proposed a three-year transition of power after meeting a delegation of West African leaders and warned that any attack on the country would “not be a walk in …

1 year, 4 months ago

Timeline: What has happened in Niger since the coup?

Al Jazeera

Following the July 26 coup, ECOWAS has been demanding the reinstatement of President Bazoum, who is under house arrest. The bloc slapped financial sanctions on the coup leaders and the country, freezing “all commercial and financial transactions” between member states and Niger, one of the world’s poorest nations. Coup leaders accused French forces of freeing captured “terrorists” and breaching a …

1 year, 4 months ago

A scramble of last-ditch diplomacy aims at finding a peaceful solution to Niger's deepening crisis

The Independent

1 year, 4 months ago

Leader of Niger’s junta says it will restore civilian rule within 3 years, but gives no details

Associated Press

NIAMEY, Niger — The leader of mutinous soldiers who ousted Niger’s democratically elected president said Saturday night that they will return the country to civilian rule within three years. On Friday, the ECOWAS commissioner for peace and security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, said 11 of its 15 member states had agreed to commit troops to military intervention, saying they were “ready to …

1 year, 4 months ago

Niger coup: ECOWAS delegation meets deposed president, military govt leader

Al Jazeera

Soldiers who overthrew the democratically elected president in July have quickly entrenched themselves in power and rebuffed dialogue efforts. A delegation from West Africa’s regional bloc ECOWAS has met Niger’s ousted president Mohamed Bazoum and held talks with military government leader General Abdourahmane Tchiani. On Friday, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Simao would meet the military rulers and other parties …

1 year, 4 months ago

US readying plans to evacuate drone bases if necessary under Niger’s new junta, commander says

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The U.S. is making precautionary plans to evacuate two key drone and counter-terror bases in Niger if that becomes necessary under the West African nation’s new ruling junta, the Air Force commander for Africa said Friday. That planning includes looking for U.S.-allied nations in the Saharan and Sahel regions, some of the world’s most active areas for al-Qaida- …

1 year, 4 months ago

11 nations of West Africa commit to a military deployment to restore the ousted president of Niger

Associated Press

NIAMEY, Niger — Eleven West African nations have agreed to commit troops to a military deployment aimed at restoring Niger’s democratically elected president following last month’s coup, an official for the regional bloc said Friday after a defense ministers meeting. The overthrow of the president nearly one month ago has been a big blow to the United States, France and …

1 year, 4 months ago

West African militaries meet to finalise possible Niger intervention

The Hindu

West African army chiefs were due to hold a second and final day of talks on Friday in Ghana's capital Accra, where they have been hashing out the details of a possible military intervention in Niger if diplomacy fails to reverse a military coup. Military officers deposed Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 and have defied calls from the …

1 year, 4 months ago

ECOWAS defence chiefs continue talks on possible Niger intervention

Al Jazeera

ECOWAS defence chiefs are attending a two-day meeting in Accra to fine-tune details of a potential military operation in Niger. West African military chiefs are holding a second day of talks in Ghana on Friday, preparing for a possible armed intervention in Niger after a coup removed President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. ECOWAS defence chiefs are having a two-day …

1 year, 4 months ago

ECOWAS defence chiefs agree ‘D-day’ for Niger military intervention

Al Jazeera

The West African bloc agrees to activate standby force as a last resort if diplomatic efforts fail after coup in Niger. West Africa’s main bloc has agreed on a “D-day” for possible military intervention to restore democracy in Niger after generals toppled and detained President Mohamed Bazoum last month. We’ve already agreed and fine-tuned what will be required for the …

1 year, 4 months ago

Niger’s neighbors running out of options as defense chiefs meet to discuss potential military force

Associated Press

NIAMEY, Niger — West African defense chiefs met Thursday to discuss the crisis in Niger after coup leaders there ignored their deadline to step down, leaving the region’s countries with few options in their effort to restore democratic rule. Niger’s coup was seen by the international community and ECOWAS as one too many and in addition to threatening a military …

1 year, 4 months ago

First major jihadi attack since coup kills 17 and wounds dozens in Niger, fueling Western fears

Associated Press

NIAMEY, Niger — Insurgents killed 17 soldiers and wounded nearly 24 in the first major attack in half a year against the army in Niger, where Western powers fear a coup by the elite presidential guard last month is weakening a rare ally against jihadi violence in West Africa’s Sahel region. It was the first major attack against Niger’s army …

1 year, 4 months ago

More than a dozen Niger soldiers killed in attack near Mali border

Al Jazeera

The Nigerien Defence Ministry says another 20 soldiers were wounded in the attack. At least 17 Niger soldiers have been killed in an attack by armed groups near the border with Mali, the country’s Ministry of Defence said. In the last decade, the border area where central Mali, northern Burkina Faso and western Niger converge has become the epicentre of …

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Politico

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