Russian warns ECOWAS against military option in Niger Republic

Russia has warned that military intervention in Niger would lead to a “protracted confrontation”, saying such an intervention would destabilize the Sahel region as a whole.

West Africa’s regional bloc on Thursday ordered the activation of a standby force for possible use against the junta that took power in Niger in July, saying it wanted a peaceful restoration of democracy but all options including force were on the table.

The threat of an invasion, though not specific, raises tensions in and around Niger, a uranium producer that until the coup was an important ally of the West in the fight against Islamist insurgents devastating the Sahel region.

But the US, which backs efforts to restore deposed leader Mohamed Bazoum, says its Wagner mercenary group is taking advantage of the instability.

Both France and the US operate military bases in Niger and they have been used to launch operations against jihadist groups in the wider region.

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Military officials from Ecowas countries are reportedly set to meet on Saturday to draft plans for a military intervention.

The bloc has said it remains open to finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis, but Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu said on Thursday that “No option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort”.

The US has not explicitly backed military action but has called on the junta to step aside and allow the restoration of the country’s democratic constitution.

Meanwhile, fears are growing for the health and safety of Mr Bazoum, who has been held captive since the military seized power on 26 July.

He and his family had been “deprived of food, electricity and medical care for several days”, EU foreign policy Chief Josep Borrell said.

UN rights commissioner Volker Turk said he had received credible reports that the conditions of detention “could amount to inhuman and degrading treatment”.

Rights group Human Rights Watch said Mr Bazoum had told them this week that he and his family were being treated in an “inhuman and cruel” way.