Mali, Burkina Faso leaders using Wagner, other criminal Russian mercenaries to undermine Sahel region: Bazoum
Embattled President Mohamed Bazoum has raised the alarm that Mali and Burkina Faso military juntas are using “criminal Russian” mercenaries like the Wagner Group to subvert democracy.
Mr Bazoum stated this Thursday in an open letter to the U.S. government.
The Nigerien president had been detained since his government was overthrown in a military coup led by Abdourahmane Tchiani, a former head of the president’s security, on July 26.
“Notably, Niger’s security situation is significantly better than that of our neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, whose governments, both installed by military takeovers, support the illegal coup,” Mr Bazoum wrote in the letter. “Rather than addressing security concerns by strengthening their capacity, they employ criminal Russian mercenaries such as the Wagner Group at the expense of their people’s rights and dignity.”
The letter came a week after the coup leader and military officers flew to Mali to meet with the country’s ruler.
Salifou Modi, a military general and one of the orchestrators in the putsch that led to the ousting of Mr Bazoum, was part of the delegation of military officials who visited Mali.
The visit had raised eyebrows that the former Western ally could draw closer to Mali’s military leaders with ties to the Wagner Group.
The Wagner Group is said to have about 1,500 troops in Mali.
Mali and Burkina Faso threatened war if ECOWAS attempted to remove Nigerian coupists through military action in a bid to reinstate Mr Bazoum.
ECOWAS military chiefs nation converged on Abuja this week to discuss the Niger situation. At the same time, several top officials and individuals had been sent to Niger to meet with the head of the junta.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
World
Saudi Arabia extends oil production cut to September
The voluntary cut planned for July will now also cover September, the Ministry of Energy said, adding that further extensions were possible.
States
Ondo unveils plans to recruit doctors, other health workers
“Government has given approval for more doctors to be employed, as well as other health workers,” said Mr Ajaka.
World
28 patients, employees injured in hospital fire
The fire broke out in a patient’s room in the hospital in Hemer, about 30 kilometres southeast of Dortmund.
World
Bulgaria to supply Soviet-era armoured vehicles to Ukraine
The government of the NATO and EU-country approved a corresponding agreement to be signed with Ukrainian officials in Sofia on Friday.
States
Niger APC chairman Zakari Jikantoro resigns
Mr Jikantoro said the zonal chairman, Aminu Bobi, would act as the party chairman until a substantive chairman was elected.
Africa
South Sudan president dismisses finance minister amid hyperinflation
Mr Kiir did not give any reason for the dismissal amid hyperinflation and depreciation of the country’s local currency, the South Sudanese pound (SSP).