By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Barely 24 hours to the expiration of the deadline issued by ECOWAS for the reinstatement of the ousted Niger leader, President Mohamed Bazoum, the country’s military junta has asked for help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner.
The junta faces an August 6 deadline for the reinstatement of the democratically elected Bazoum, who has described himself as a hostage.
Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc had met in Abuja on Sunday, where they issued the General Abdourahamane Tchiani-led junta seven days ultimatum to quit power, a warning it followed with sanctions against the West African nation.
One of the leaders of the coup, General Salifou Mody made the request while visiting neighbouring Mali.
Protests and counter-protests have taken place in the country’s capital Niamey, with some in support and others against the military coup on July 26, even as international pressure on the junta mounts.
Foreign nationals have been leaving the country over the past week, mainly on French military aircraft.
Juntas have rejected former coloniser France and turned towards Russia.
Wagner already operates in some African countries, including Mali and CAR
Following the coup, some ECOWAS countries have closed land and air borders with Niger, and suspended commercial and financial transactions with the country.
Leader of Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin had hailed the coup in Niger, saying it is a collective desire of the people.
