New Military Government of Niger Seeks Help from Wagner Mercenaries Against ECOWAS Intervention
The new military government of Niger has reportedly asked for assistance from the Russian mercenary group Wagner, as it faces a deadline imposed by the West African regional bloc ECOWAS to release the country’s removed president or face possible military intervention. General Salifou Mody, one of the leaders of the coup, made contact with someone from Wagner during a visit to neighboring Mali, according to journalist Wassim Nasr and multiple sources.
“They need [Wagner] because they will become their guarantee to hold onto power,” Nasr stated, explaining that the private military company is considering the request. The military government of Niger is facing increasing pressure from ECOWAS to release and reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, who has described himself as a hostage.
In response to the military government’s refusal to cooperate, defence chiefs from ECOWAS members have finalized an intervention plan and urged their militaries to prepare resources. A mediation team sent to Niger was denied entry and the opportunity to meet with General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader of the military government. In an attempt to dissuade military intervention, General Mody warned against becoming “a new Libya” during his visit to Mali, which is governed by a sympathetic military government.
Niger has historically been seen as a reliable counterterrorism partner in the region, with military leaders previously collaborating with France. However, the current military government has rejected France and turned towards Russia. Wagner, a controversial private military company, already operates in several African countries, including Mali, where it has faced accusations of human rights abuses.
There are concerns about how the international community will react if Wagner becomes involved in the situation in Niger. In 2021, when Wagner entered Mali, the French military was subsequently removed from the country. The United States later designated Wagner as a “terrorist” organization. With the stakes higher in Niger due to the significant military assistance provided by the US and other partners to combat security threats, the response from international partners may be stronger this time.
The details of a possible regional intervention and Western support remain unclear. Niger’s military government has called on the population to remain vigilant against spies, and self-organized defense groups have mobilized to monitor cars and patrol the capital at night. A report by the Hudson Institute warns that if the military junta digs in its heels and mobilizes civilian militias, the intervention could evolve into a multifaceted counterinsurgency that ECOWAS may not be prepared to handle.
While some residents in Niger are preparing for potential conflict, others are dealing with the economic and travel sanctions imposed by ECOWAS since the coup. These sanctions have closed land and air borders with ECOWAS countries and suspended commercial and financial transactions. The price of goods is rising, and there is limited access to cash, causing concern among residents about the impact on essential supplies.
As the situation in Niger continues to unfold, both within the country and on the regional and international stage, the uncertainty surrounding potential military intervention and the involvement of Wagner mercenaries adds yet another layer of complexity to an already complex political and security landscape.