Niamey, Niger - In the aftermath of a recent coup that ousted Niger's democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, thousands of junta supporters took to the streets of the capital, Niamey, on Sunday. Waving Russian flags and chanting the name of Russian President Vladimir Putin, they also vehemently denounced former colonial power France.

The presence of Russian flags and Putin's name at the rally has raised concerns about the involvement of Russian interests in the region. The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, is already operating in neighboring Mali, and it appears that Russia aims to expand its influence further. However, it remains uncertain whether the new junta leaders will align more with Moscow or maintain relations with Niger's Western partners.

The coup leaders justified their actions by claiming that they overthrew President Bazoum due to his failure to effectively counter the growing threat of jihadi violence in the country. However, many analysts and Nigeriens believe this explanation is a mere pretext, suspecting that the coup is driven more by internal power struggles rather than genuine concern for national security.

The coup has left the country's future uncertain, and some observers question the military's justification for seizing power. Professor Amad Hassane Boubacar from the University of Niamey expressed surprise over the coup, stating that there was no prevailing social, political, or security situation that warranted military intervention.

While Niger faces security challenges, its situation is not as dire as that of its neighboring countries, Burkina Faso and Mali, which have been grappling with Islamic insurgency linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Last year, Niger was the only country among the three to witness a decline in violence, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.

Niger has been a crucial ally for the West in its efforts to combat extremism in the Sahel region of Africa. France, with 1,500 troops in the country, has conducted joint operations with Nigerien forces, and other Western countries, including the United States, have provided military training. However, the recent coup has led to the suspension of development aid and other financial support from France, demanding the immediate restoration of constitutional order under President Bazoum.

The African Union has issued a 15-day ultimatum for the junta to reinstall the democratically elected government. On Sunday, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held an emergency summit in Abuja, Nigeria, to address the situation in Niger. Conflict experts warn that Niger's decision on whether to turn away from the West could have significant implications, given the substantial military assistance it receives from the international community. The release of President Bazoum and the restoration of democratic order remain pivotal factors for the nation's continued relations with Western partners.