Mali Leader calls Putin over Niger

Agency Report

Head of the military regime in Mali, Assimi Goita, on Tuesday, disclosed that he had a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Putin of Russia on the crisis in Niger Republic.

The two leaders had deliberated on the pending military action by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to confront the military regime in Niger and reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
ECOWAS leaders at the 2nd Extraordinary meeting in Abuja last week, ordered the deployment of “Standby Force” in Niger with the mandate to restore constitutional rule in the country.

The Malian leader, Goita. however, emphasized President Putin “stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution of the situation for a more stable Sahel.”

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The military regime in Mali had hired mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group to fight an insurgency after they overthrew the democratic government three years ago and sent away French troops from the country.

While Putin had earlier advocated for a return to constitutional order in Niger after the July coup, Wagner chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, supported the coup.

However, citizens of Niger had in support of the military regime, intensified their support for Russia in Niger after the July 26 coup. Supporters of the military further engaged in waving Russian flags whenever they are holding rally in support of the military.

The head of the military regime, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, had earlier warned that the country will resist external intervention forces, disclosing that the military regime is expecting to receive arms from Russia. Pro-Russia sentiments have been on the increase in Niger since the coup, essentially, the military threats from the ECOWAS.