Situation in Niger After Military Coup
On July 26, Niger's presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum. The guard's commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself the country's new leader.

Military Solution to Niger Crisis Could Become Protracted Confrontation, Moscow Says

© AP Photo / Sam MednickNiger
Niger - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 11.08.2023
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Since the beginning of the political crisis in Niger in late July, Russia has repeatedly called for the restoration of law and order in the country and a peaceful settlement of the crisis for the sake of the people of the country.
A military resolution to the crisis in Niger may lead to a protracted standoff and destabilize the situation in the Sahara-Sahel region, the Russian Foreign Ministry has said in a statement.
The ministry also noted the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore constitutional order in Niger through dialog with the country's new leadership.
"Russia supports ECOWAS mediation efforts to find a way out of the crisis," the statement said.
How sizeable is Niger's army in light of possible intervention? - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 11.08.2023
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How Sizeable is Niger's Army in Light of Possible Intervention?
At the same time, the ministry commented on the bloc's decision to deploy ECOWAS reserve forces for a possible intervention in Niger, saying that the coup leaders of the West African nation have signaled their readiness to "fight back against any foreign intervention."
"In addition, they announced the establishment of a transitional government that included representatives of civil society," the statement added.
On July 26, Niger's presidential guard removed incumbent President Mohamed Bazoum from power. The guard's commander, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself the country's new leader.
The coup drew condemnation from ECOWAS and many countries, which halted financial aid to Niger and froze rebel assets.

ECOWAS issued an ultimatum to Niamey to return Bazoum to power within a week, threatening military intervention.

After the ultimatum expired, the group announced in a communique the decision to activate its reserve force, a move that was later supported by the African Union.
Niger's neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which are ruled by transitional governments that seized power in coups, announced earlier that an intervention would be a "declaration of war" on their countries.
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