Yevgeny Prigozhin Claims Niger’s Coup as Liberation from Colonisers, Seeks to Deploy Wagner Fighters for Stability
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In an unexpected turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the infamous leader of the Russian Wagner Group, has publicly praised the military coup in Niger, hailing it as a long-overdue liberation from Western colonisers. The Wagner boss offered the services of his fighters to help restore order in the country, despite his recent failed mutiny against the Russian army’s top brass. The enigmatic mercenary chief’s voice message, disseminated through Telegram app channels linked to Wagner, has stirred controversy and raised concerns among the international community.
The voice message, though not claiming direct involvement in the coup, portrayed the event as a defining moment for the people of Niger to rid themselves of the vestiges of colonial rule.”What transpired in Niger was nothing more than a result of the colonizers’ conflict with the Niger people. The statement was uploaded on Thursday night. The statement continued, “With colonizers who are trying to impose their way of life and conditions on them and keep them in state that existed in Africa hundreds of years ago.
The coup leaders announced General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state, marking the seventh military takeover in West and Central Africa in less than three years. Niger, one of the world’s poorest countries, gained full independence from France in 1960, but Prigozhin contends that the influence of former colonial powers continues to hamper its progress.
Wagner’s presence in Africa has drawn apprehension from Western nations, including the United States and France, who accuse the mercenary group of committing atrocities. However, Prigozhin staunchly defends the group’s operations, claiming they operate within the bounds of the law and play a crucial role in stabilizing and developing African nations. In a recent interview with an African news outlet, he divulged plans to expand Wagner’s footprint in Africa, with a fresh batch of fighters already deployed to the Central African Republic.
The Wagner chief’s persistent freedom of movement, even after the failed mutiny, has puzzled observers. He was reportedly spotted in Russia and even attended a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, underscoring his continued engagement in Wagner’s activities. Compounding the intrigue, photographs emerged showing Prigozhin engaging with African dignitaries at a Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg.
These appearances, experts believe, serve to project continuity in Wagner’s involvement in advancing Russia’s foreign policy objectives in Africa. Despite Prigozhin’s assurances of Wagner’s effectiveness in stabilizing regions and protecting civilians, CNN and human rights groups have documented allegations of the group’s involvement in atrocities against civilian populationsin the Central African Republic, Mali, and Sudan.
While Prigozhin celebrates the coup and advocates Wagner’s services as a solution to the crisis, the Russian Foreign Ministry has diverged from this stance, calling for the “prompt release” of President Mohamed Bazoum by the military. As events unfold in Niger, the nation grapples with complex challenges, with various actors vying for influence and stability in the region. The ramifications of the coup are far-reaching and continue to reverberate both within Niger and on the international stage.
Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, who remains active despite leading a failed mutiny against the Russian army's top brass last month, hailed Niger's military coup as good news and offered his fighters' services to bring order https://t.co/1K3NQ5GTAB
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 29, 2023
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