Niger: President Mohamed Bazoum calls on US for help after coup.

Niger’s ousted leader has urged the US and “entire international community” to help “restore… constitutional order” after last week’s coup.

He also warned that the region could fall further under Russian influence, via the Wagner Group which already operates in neighbouring countries.

In a statement read out on national television, they said the functions of the four ambassadors had been “terminated”.

Only hours before, Niger’s ambassador to the US, Kiari Liman-Tinguiri, told AFP news agency that the junta “should come to reason” and “realise that this affair cannot succeed”.

Niger is a significant uranium producer – a fuel that is vital for nuclear power – and under Mr Bazoum was a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa’s Sahel region.

In his newspaper article, Mr Bazoum warned the coup, if it succeeded, would have “devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world”.

“Fighting for our shared values, including democratic pluralism and respect for the rule of law, is the only way to make sustainable progress against poverty and terrorism,” Mr Bazoum wrote.

“The Nigerien people will never forget your support at this pivotal moment in our history.”

Mr Bazoum also warned of the coup leaders’ links to Russian mercenary group Wagner, which operates elsewhere in the region and has been seen by many as exercising a malign influence in Niger.

“The entire central Sahel region could fall to Russian influence via the Wagner group, whose brutal terrorism has been on full display in Ukraine,” wrote Mr Bazoum.

Many supporters of the coup in Niger have been chanting pro-Russian slogans and wearing the colours of the Russian flag.

There is no indication that Wagner was involved in the overthrow of Mr Bazoum, according to the US – but Wagner’s leader has reportedly described the coup as a triumph. The Russian government, however, has called for the ousted president to be returned to power.

Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Mr Bazoum on the phone, with the US saying afterwards it was committed to the restoration of Niger’s democratically elected government.

It hosts French and US military bases which are used to fight Islamist insurgents.

Idilnews.