The military junta currently ruling the Republic of Niger has threatened a possible military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Associated Press (AP) reported on Saturday. He asked the group for help.

General Salihu Modi, one of the coup masterminds who overthrew the government of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoom two years ago, was reportedly contacted by Wagner during a visit to Mali. The Associated Press reportedquoting Wasim Nasr, a journalist and senior fellow at the Sufan Center in New York. An anonymous Western military official also told the Associated Press a similar report.

In the context of the reported request, Possible ECOWAS military intervention After failed mediation. The Sunday deadline set by the military junta to restore the Bazoom regime and end its seventh coup in three years across West and Central Africa has already passed, a country rich in uranium and oil but also poor. closed the airspace indefinitely. (Related: Pentagon confirms US troops will not assist Niger evacuation)

▶️ Pressure builds across West Africa as ECOWAS deadline looms https://t.co/GqVgdkXGP8 pic.twitter.com/ETkiWsKoUc

— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) August 6, 2023

Nasr also warned that Niger “has no better ally than France and the United States” in the fight against Islamist terrorism, and that if the West withdraws from Niger, Wagner and the jihadist group could fill the void. I warned you that you might not. France 24 interview.

In an interview, Nasr added that Mr. Wagner’s involvement with Russia could serve as a shield for the military regime against foreign military intervention, as ambiguous ties with the Russian government pose a military dilemma.

Wagner’s boss, Evgeny Prigozhin, reportedly welcomed the coup and offered Wagner’s services to Niger. According to Reuters.

long-standing strategic partnership There seems to be a wavering between Niger and the US. announced by the United States On Friday, “certain foreign aid programs that benefit the Niger government” will be suspended, but “delivery of life-saving humanitarian and food aid will continue.”US Embassy in Niger pause Suspended all day-to-day operations, ordered all non-emergency U.S. government employees and affected family members to leave the country, and raised the travel advisory to a Level 4 travel ban following the July 26 coup in Niger .