Russia has warned against any possible military intervention in Niger following the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum by the military. Moscow believes that the threat of such action would only worsen the situation in the country and instead advocates for a national dialogue.
On Wednesday, August 2nd, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, expressed her government’s concerns about the growing tensions in Niger. Following the coup that ousted President Bazoum, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has raised the possibility of a military intervention in the country. However, Moscow believes that the use of force against a sovereign state would not be beneficial in defusing the current crisis.
Call for Restraint Russia emphasizes the importance of preventing further deterioration of the situation in Niger. To achieve this, the Russian government calls for a national dialogue to find an internal solution to the country’s problems. This approach aligns with Moscow’s vision of an “African solution to African problems.”
Simultaneously, the Russian diplomat underscored the importance of actions taken by the African Union and sub-regional organizations to achieve a peaceful resolution to the crisis. By encouraging these entities to take appropriate measures, Russia hopes that Niger can find a peaceful way out of the complex situation it is facing.
This is the second time Russia has reacted to the events unfolding in Niger. On July 27th, following the coup in Niamey, Maria Zakharova had already called on all parties involved to avoid the use of force and to prioritize peaceful and constructive dialogue.
