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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