Russia on Friday warned ECOWAS against military action against coup leaders in Niger Republic, stating that it would lead to a “protracted confrontation.”
In a statement issued on Friday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry warned other West African nations not to send troops into Niger.
According to the statement: “We believe that a military solution to the crisis in Niger could lead to a protracted confrontation in that African country, and to a sharp destabilisation of the situation in the Sahara-Sahel region as a whole.”
On Thursday, ECOWAS, the West African regional bloc, approved a “standby force” in response to the military takeover in Niger Republic, with Cote d’Ivoire President saying that they could be deployed “As soon as possible.”
Though Moscow has not formally backed the coup, but the new military regime supporters, some waving Russian flags, protested at a French military base near the capital, Niamey.
The US has backed efforts to restore Niger’s deposed leader Mohamed Bazoum, raising fears that the collapse of Niger Republic’s democracy risks pitting Russia against the West in a proxy stand-off.
Both France and the US operate military bases in Niger, which have been used to launch operations against jihadist groups present in the wider region.
Supporters of the military junta have called on Western nations to leave the country and voiced support for Russia.
On Friday protesters were seen chanting “down with France, down with ECOWAS” at a French base on the outskirts of the capital city Niamey.
Some were carrying Russian flags, AFP reported, and voiced support for coup leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani.
Chiefs of Defence Staff of ECOWAS member-nations are reportedly set to meet on Saturday to draft plans for a military intervention.
The bloc has said it remains open to finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis, but Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Thursday: “No option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.”