The Russian flag is once again flying on Nigerien soil, but this time it is not the Nigerien people who are dancing it, but the Wagner mercenary corps, who are on a mission in Niger.
After the French special forces successfully raided the Nigerien army that carried out the coup d'état, killing five Nigerien soldiers, the people of Niger began to call for the arrival of the Wagner regiment.
Since July 30, the people of Niger have been marching in the streets, waving slogans such as "France fuck off" and "Long live Putin", holding Russian flags, to the French Embassy in Nigeria and the French ** base to demonstrate.
Despite a chemical attack by French tear gas, demonstrators tried to break into the French embassy, pulled down its signs, trampled on them, and planted Nigerien and Russian flags on the walls of the French embassy.
France** Macron expressed anger at the embassy attack and warned Niger that if there were another attack on French citizens, it would be immediately met with a harsh French counterattack.
Russia, which is supported by Nepal, also called on all parties to the conflict to remain calm, refrain from using force against civilians, and restore constitutional order as soon as possible.
In Niamey, the capital of Niger, 3,000 vanguard troops of the Wagner mercenary group arrived on August 4.
Immediately afterwards, the United States and France also showed no weakness, sending 1,300 and 1,500 anti-terrorist troops respectively, declaring that they were willing to cooperate with ECOWAS to intervene militarily in the coup army** at any time.
Iran also got involved, sending a major general and about 1,000 Quds Force soldiers to support Niger's new **.
The spokesman of the Nigerien Army** condemned the release of the detained *** by the French army on August 9 and the raid on the battlefield of the Nigerien army, and even mobilized military aircraft from the capital of Chad to carry out an air strike on Niger, resulting in the serious consequences of killing five Nigerien soldiers on the spot and injuring many others.
Moscow once again expressed concern about the situation in Niger, hoped that tensions would not escalate, and called on all parties to participate in peaceful dialogue and jointly maintain peace and stability in the region.
Countries around the world are paying close attention to the situation in Niger, including France, the United States, Russia, Iran and other forces, and ECOWAS has also issued a statement"Ultimatum"。
In addition, countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria and Guinea are firmly on the side of the coup d'état and ready to intervene at any time.
The coup has turned into a new battlefield of geopolitical games on the African continent, and in just half a month, it has gone beyond the confines of Niger itself.
The coup d'état in Niger escalated, African parties intervened, and France was betrayed by its allies. The situation in Niger is volatile, and other countries have stepped in to mediate, but with little success.
Politicians, religious organizations and others have rushed to Niger in the hope of resolving the dispute peacefully, but most have been refused.
Chadian head Déby was invited by the United States to go to Niger for mediation, and although he met with and talked with the detained Bazoum, the mediation goal was not achieved.
Subsequently, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also sent a delegation to Niamey to mediate, but unfortunately they did not meet Bazoum or the military leader Kiani, and the mediation effort was declared unsuccessful.
Niger** has rejected requests from international and regional organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union, citing security concerns. Faced with this situation, the Nigerian presidency of ECOWAS has taken positive action.
Nigeria's traditional leader, Kano Amir II, visited Niger in his personal capacity and held secret talks with the military leader Kiyani. Although the talks were not made public, the efforts of Nigerian leaders have failed to ease tensions in Niger.
Nigerien's hostility towards France stems from its former French colony. Although Niger is now ostensibly independent, it is difficult for them to accept that they have to "pay tribute" to France, a nuclear powerhouse, every year.
In addition, France's 1,500-strong military presence in Niger is ostensibly to protect the security of Niger and neighboring countries, but the number of terrorist organizations has not decreased, but has increased.
In 2021, the people of Niger finally elected a democratically elected ** Bazoum, but as soon as he came to power, he began to get close to the colonizer that the people hated the most - France.
The long-accumulated grievances eventually erupted, triggering the coup. As soon as the military ** came to power, he publicly announced the cessation of uranium ore exports to France and *** This made Macron very angry and carried out land and air attacks on Niger.
However, the United States cooperated closely with the Nigerien military without prior notice to Paris.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Nuland made a surprise visit to Niger and openly held talks with senior military officials, and did not shy away from "brushing up her presence" on the international stage.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been directly involved and has repeatedly communicated with the Nigerien military to ensure the security of U.S. forces in the country.
This action is seen by France as a threat to itself, as it has always recognized the legitimacy of the detained former Bazoum regime.
If the United States and Niger reach any agreement, it could jeopardize French interests in the region and could even lead to the loss of Niger's uranium support, which in turn could seriously affect France's nuclear power industry.
The situation in Niger is becoming increasingly tense, and more than 7,000 troops from France, the United States, Russia and Iran are currently stationed in the capital, Niamey.
Although they have different nationalities, camps, positions, and interests, if there is friction, then a large-scale war may break out in Niger.
On August 9, the French army launched an attack on the battlefield of the Nigerien National Guard and the Army, a move that led to a new operation by the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary based in the capital, Niamey.
The Nigerien army received professional training and instruction, and the Wagner group and Russian flags were planted on the ruins of previous French attacks, a clear provocation and show of force against the US and French forces.
What are their allies, American GIs, doing in Niger when the French are being provoked? Since the establishment of U.S. high-level ties with the Nigerien Army, the 1,300 U.S. GIs stationed in Niger have not been subjected to demonstrations or demonstrations by the Nigerien population, and their safety has been guaranteed.
Neither side nor the other side has carried out military strikes against American GIs hiding in the "world's largest military drone base." As a result, only France suffered losses in the coup dispute in Niger.
In conclusion, whether it is the United States, which secretly cooperates with the Nigerien army, or Russia, which has the support of Niger, they will all reap their respective interests in this coup conflict that occurred in central and western Africa.
The United States can take this opportunity to consolidate its military position in the African region and continue to use drones to monitor African countries and collect important intelligence information on the grounds of "anti-terrorism".
By sending the Wagner Group support army**, Russia can not only win the hearts and minds of the Nigerien people, but also expand its influence in the African region.
In the current dispute, only France has suffered a heavy blow, with the seizure of the supported Bazoum, the ban on much-needed uranium**, and even the betrayal of its ally the United States.
Such a situation may make Macron more determined to break away from the United States and lead Europe on the path of independence.
Of course, whether this dispute can continue depends on whether these countries can get the benefits they want.
The Chinese Embassy in Niger issued a public statement on the 17th, calling on overseas Chinese in Niger to minimize non-essential outdoor activities and ensure their own safety.
At the same time, we have communicated with the Nigerien authorities, asking them to take all necessary measures to protect the personal and property safety of Chinese citizens.
We sincerely wish all the rest of our compatriots abroad!