Russia Warns Against Military Intervention in Niger

On Friday, August 11, Russia warned against military intervention in Niger. This comes as West African leaders announced the formation of a 'standby force' to restore the ousted president. According to AFP, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated: 'We believe that a military solution to the crisis in Niger could lead to a prolonged confrontation in that African country and severe instability throughout the region.' Alassane Ouattara, the President of Côte d'Ivoire, announced on Thursday that West African leaders agreed to deploy a 'standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger.' ECOWAS has not provided details about the deployed force or a timeline for action against the military that took control of Niger two weeks ago and ousted Mohamed Bazoum from the presidency. Western powers are concerned about the increasing influence of Russia, as the coup leaders may expel Western forces, similar to Mali, and invite Russian Wagner Group mercenaries into the country. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised ECOWAS's 'determination to explore all peaceful options for resolving the crisis' and called for a non-violent solution to the issue. Earlier on Thursday, he told reporters that this bloc 'plays a key role in clarifying the necessity of returning to constitutional order, and we support ECOWAS's leadership and work on this matter.' The French Foreign Ministry also stated that France 'fully supports all outcomes achieved by ECOWAS.' West African leaders continue to seek their next steps to neutralize the military coup in Niger, which has brought significant change to the region and sparked widespread support in the country. Last month, the Nigerien army imprisoned President Mohamed Bazoum and seized power. This action faced a wave of condemnation from international powers and increased the shadow of further conflict in the impoverished Sahel region of West Africa, which is currently dominated by Islamist insurgents.