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Niger’s military rulers have asked for help from the Russian mercenary group, Wagner as the deadline set by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the release of the country’s detained president draws near.
ECOWAS had given the coup plotters a seven-day ultimatum last Sunday to release the president or face possible military intervention by the West African regional bloc.
Al Jazeera reports that the request came during a visit by a coup leader – General Salifou Mody – to neighbouring Mali, where he made contact with someone from Wagner, Wassim Nasr, a journalist and senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, told The Associated Press.
“They need [Wagner] because they will become their guarantee to hold onto power,” he said, adding the private military company is considering the request.
Niger’s military government faces a Sunday deadline set by the regional bloc known as ECOWAS to release and reinstate the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has described himself as a hostage.
Peoplesmind
