US may withdraw from Niger as Russia’s Wagner Group celebrates failed coup.

President⁣ Joe Biden Threatens to Cut ​Military ⁣Ties with Niger⁣ Amidst Political Crisis

President Joe Biden has‍ issued a strong warning ‍to Niger, stating that the ​United States may sever ‍military ties if the​ ongoing coup against‌ the country’s democratically elected president continues.⁣ The White House⁢ National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, emphasized the⁢ potential consequences of a military takeover, stating that it could jeopardize existing ⁣security‌ and non-security partnerships between the United States and Niger.

High Stakes and ​International Concerns

The U.S. hopes to prevent the overthrow of Nigerien President Mahmoud Bazoum, despite the announcement by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani that he has seized power. ‍The⁤ political crisis in Niger carries​ significant implications, ⁣as the withdrawal of American troops could⁢ create a power ⁣vacuum that terrorist organizations ‌may exploit. Additionally, it could pave the way for Russia’s Wagner Group paramilitary ‌forces to​ establish a foothold in a ‍country they have long ⁢desired.

Africa Center for Strategic Studies⁤ research director⁢ Joseph Siegle highlighted Russia’s interest in a military ‌takeover, stating that they⁤ have openly expressed their desire⁢ for influence ⁣in Niger. Siegle also ⁢mentioned⁣ that after the⁣ coup in Burkina Faso last year, there were‍ indications that Wagner-linked Telegram accounts ​considered Niger as their next target.

Condemnation and Ambiguous Posture

Gen. Tchiani’s coup has drawn condemnation from the ⁤African‌ Union and Western powers, while Russian⁢ authorities have taken a more ‌ambiguous ⁢stance. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov referred ‌to it‌ as “an anti-constitutional act,” but also drew parallels ‍to the Ukrainian movement in 2014. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov denied interference ‍in Niger’s internal⁤ affairs but acknowledged⁣ the recurring nature ⁢of ⁣such events in Africa.

However, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of Russia’s Wagner Group, reportedly celebrated the coup as a defeat for the West. Prigozhin’s forces have benefited from​ previous coups ⁣in African states, ‍and​ the potential ⁣financial ​and geopolitical advantages of Niger make‍ it an attractive prospect for them.

Urgent Action and⁣ International Demands

U.S. officials, along with Senate Foreign ‍Relations Chairman Bob⁤ Menendez and Idaho​ Sen. James Risch, are calling for swift action ⁤to hold anti-democratic forces⁢ accountable and send a clear​ message that attacks on constitutional democracy will not ⁤be tolerated. The international community, including ‍France, is‌ demanding the immediate restoration of constitutional order⁢ and the democratically elected civilian government in Niger.

Hope for Diplomatic Resolution

Despite ⁤the escalating crisis, President Biden’s administration is ‌still hopeful⁢ for a diplomatic resolution. They have emphasized to Nigerien leaders that their ⁤security‍ cooperation​ is contingent on the rule of law, support for democracy, and civilian control. The United States believes ⁤that there is still room for⁢ diplomacy in resolving the⁣ situation.

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