Iran Press/ Africa: This comes after the regional bloc Ecowas announced its intention to assemble a standby force.
The Russian foreign ministry emphasized that such intervention would destabilize the Sahel region.
While Russia does not formally support the coup, the US alleges that its Wagner mercenary group is exploiting the current instability. On Friday, coup supporters, some waving Russian flags, staged protests near a French military base in Niamey, denouncing France and Ecowas.
France and the US maintain military bases in Niger, which have been utilized for operations against jihadist groups in the wider region. Military officials from Ecowas countries are reportedly scheduled to convene on Saturday to develop plans for potential military intervention. The bloc has expressed willingness to seek a diplomatic resolution to the crisis; however, Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu stated on Thursday that force remains an option of last resort.
While the US has not explicitly endorsed military action, it has called on the junta to step aside and restore democratic governance.
Britain also voiced support on Friday for diplomatic efforts by regional nations to address the crisis in Niger.
In a statement, the Foreign Office affirmed its backing of Ecowas' call for constitutional order and democracy to be reinstated in Niger. The response from the Niger junta to these recent statements by Ecowas leaders remains unknown.
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ECOWAS deploys military action against Niger coup plotters
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ECOWAS wants to restore constitutional order in Niger
