Russia's Wagner Group Eyes Niger Amid Political Unrest
Mercenary Group Taunts U.S. With Its Niger Presence
Overt Operator
August 11, 2023
Niger, a country at the crossroads of political uncertainty and a volatile security situation, is possibly drawing the attention of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, according to the U.S. State Department. With the junta taking power after the recent ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum, the involvement of the shadowy organization remains a concern for the international community.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has raised alarms over Wagner's actions in the Sahel region, although he has explicitly stated that neither Russia nor Wagner initiated Niger's coup. The concern arises from the mercenary group's penchant for exploiting situations like this, following a trail of destruction and chaos wherever it operates.
The situation in Niger stands out as a potentially significant geopolitical issue. Both the United States and France have active military bases in the country as part of efforts to thwart jihadist groups in the region. This cooperative effort has been crucial in maintaining stability, especially as Niger has become the primary base for French troops after they departed from Mali.
Wagner, a group notorious for its ties to Russia and business interests across various African nations, operates in a shroud of ambiguity. Its fighters, believed to be in the thousands, have been linked to extensive human rights abuses in countries such as the Central African Republic (CAR) and Mali.
What makes the group's interest in Niger particularly worrisome is the junta's potential willingness to entertain the possibility of collaboration. Despite Wagner's grim reputation, rumors suggest that the Niger army may seek assistance from the group as it navigates a complex and treacherous political landscape.
Such developments have prompted immediate diplomatic responses. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland recently engaged in what she termed as "difficult and frank" discussions with the coup leaders in Niger, emphasizing the risks associated with cooperating with the mercenaries.
Adding to the enigma is a message from Wagner's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, subtly extending an offer of support to the Niger junta group. A voice message uploaded to Telegram hinted at the group's readiness to side with those fighting for "sovereignty and the rights of their people."
Reports also emerged from the Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel Grey Zone, claiming that some 1,500 fighters had been dispatched to Africa, although the exact location remains unspecified.