USA: Wagner takes advantage of instability in Niger

Speaking to the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme, US Secretary of State Blinken said they do not believe Russia or Wagner initiated the coup in Niger.

Stating that they were concerned about Wagner’s “revelation” in parts of the Sahel, Blinken said: “I think what happened in Niger was not initiated by Russia or Wagner, but they tried to take advantage of it.” saying.

Blinken, arguing that Wagner “brings death and destruction” wherever he goes, expressed growing insecurity where they are.

Victoria Nuland, who has served as the US Deputy Foreign Minister since late July and is also Under Secretary for Political Affairs at the Foreign Ministry, visited Niger yesterday and met with some junta officials.

Nuland said the Russian security company also mentioned the “Wagner threat” during the talks, saying he felt military officials “understand very well” the risks Wagner could pose to their sovereignty.

USA DIDN’T SAY “COUPLE” YET

The United States has yet to describe the events in Niger as a “coup.” If it’s described as a coup, legally, the US has to cut off its aid to the government of Niger.

Foreign Minister Blinken announced on August 4 that a series of aid to Niger had been stopped. US officials continue to call for a return to constitutional order, saying the door to diplomacy in Niger remains open even if it has been narrowed.

THE CRISIS IN NIGER

In Niger, President Mohammed Bazum was detained by members of the Presidential Guard Regiment on July 26, and that night the military announced that it had seized power.

General Abdurrahmane (Omar) Tchiani, commander of the Presidential Guard Regiment, took over the leadership of the junta of the National Council for the Protection of the Fatherland (CNSP) on July 28 and became the head of the transitional government. (AA)