The top civilian official of the junta that seized power in the West African nation of Niger declared in an exclusive interview on Friday that coup leaders have no plans to harm the deposed president or cooperate with the Kremlin-backed Wagner paramilitary group. Ali Lamine Zeine, the prime minister appointed by the junta, assured that President Mohamed Bazoum will be safe, emphasizing that violence is not a tradition in Niger, although historical incidents suggest otherwise.
Mr. Zeine, an economist with training from France, previously served as Niger’s finance minister and held a position at the African Development Bank. He was recently appointed prime minister by the military generals who took control of the country.
The military takeover in Niger has raised concerns about further destabilization in the Sahel, a vast semiarid region south of the Sahara and a global hub of terrorist activity. The United States and France have a military presence in Niger to combat Al Qaeda and Islamic State-affiliated groups.
Currently, two factions are competing for power in Niger: President Bazoum’s government, which remains supported by international partners despite most cabinet members being arrested or abroad, and Prime Minister Zeine’s new government, which effectively governs Niger but has been shunned by the majority of countries.
The extent of Mr. Zeine’s influence in a regime now controlled by generals is uncertain, particularly as the defense and interior ministers of his cabinet are both coup leaders. Expert Sahel analyst Ibrahim Yahaya Ibrahim describes Zeine as the softer voice who can engage with the international community but notes that military power lies within the hands of the generals.
The United States and the European Union have suspended aid and military assistance to Niger. Nigeria, Niger’s southern neighbor, has cut off its electricity supply, and a group of West African countries has imposed financial sanctions on Niger. Mr. Zeine lamented that these sanctions have resulted in a scarcity of medicine and skyrocketing food prices, appealing to the West African bloc to lift them.
Regarding military partnerships, Mr. Zeine suggests a future review of the relationship with the United States, which currently has a significant military presence in Niger. However, he commended the Biden administration for its reasonable stance, favoring negotiations over military intervention to restore Niger’s democratic government.
Tensions with the French military presence in Niger have been growing, leading the junta to order the expulsion of 1,500 French troops by early September. However, the French government dismissed the directive as it does not recognize Niger’s junta. Mr. Zeine accused French officials of condescension but expressed his desire for France to maintain a presence, highlighting the historical ties and shared educational background.
Western officials have expressed concerns about the junta potentially aligning with Russia and the Wagner paramilitary group, as seen in neighboring Mali, where military leaders have hosted Wagner operatives to combat an Islamist insurgency. Mr. Zeine denied any intentions of collaboration with Russia or the Wagner group amongst Niger’s military rulers. Nevertheless, he urged Western powers not to push Nigeriens towards partnerships they would not approve of.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
