On Tuesday, the junta announced its readiness to engage in discussions aimed at resolving the regional crisis stemming from last month's military coup in Niger. Simultaneously, both Russia and the United States have emphasized the necessity for a peaceful resolution to the situation.

While Western powers and democratic African governments have been advocating for the reinstatement of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been in detention since July 26, the military leaders have staunchly rejected this and have rebuffed attempts at negotiation.

In the upcoming days, West African army chiefs are scheduled to convene in Ghana, on Thursday and Friday, to lay the groundwork for a potential military intervention. This potential action has been threatened by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the main regional bloc, in the event that diplomatic efforts falter.

The introduction of a military intervention could exacerbate the already fragile situation in the impoverished Sahel region. This area has been grappling with an insurgency linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, which has caused the displacement of millions over the past decade and has aggravated a severe hunger crisis.

"We are currently undergoing a period of transition. We have elucidated the complexities of the situation and have reiterated our readiness to engage with all stakeholders. However, we have also underscored the importance of maintaining the country's sovereignty," stated Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, who was designated as prime minister by the military leadership last week. He spoke following a visit to Chad's President Mahamat Deby, who orchestrated his own coup in 2021. The seizure of power in Niger marks the seventh such incident in West and Central Africa within three years.
This coup and its aftermath have drawn the involvement of international powers with vested strategic interests in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin held discussions with Mali's military leader regarding the recent coup in neighboring Niger on Tuesday. This communication is likely to raise concerns among Western governments that are apprehensive about the growing influence of Russia in the Sahel region of West Africa.
Mali's interim President Assimi Goita conveyed that Putin emphasized the importance of achieving a peaceful resolution to ensure greater stability in the Sahel region. The U.S. administration, represented by Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh, underscored its commitment to seeking a diplomatic resolution and conveyed its desire to maintain Niger as a partner.

Although Singh refrained from categorizing the takeover as a coup, she acknowledged that it appears to resemble an attempted coup.

Concurrently, ECOWAS received support from the Central Africa regional bloc ECCAS in its endeavors to reverse the coup in Niger and reinstate constitutional order. Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian President and Chairman of ECOWAS, expressed this collaboration on Tuesday. In his statement, he acknowledged public concerns about potential military action and affirmed that they are working diligently to enforce sanctions while strictly adhering to them.

The sphere of Russian influence in West Africa has expanded as Western influence has receded, notably evident since the series of coups began. Military leaders in Mali and Burkina Faso have ejected French troops, the former colonial power, and have cultivated stronger ties with Moscow. In Mali, the military government has even engaged the services of mercenaries from Russia's Wagner group, which has faced allegations of perpetrating human rights abuses, including civilian executions.

Under the leadership of Bazoum, Niger maintained its alliance with the Western nations. Troops from the U.S., France, Germany, and Italy were stationed in the country based on agreements with the now-deposed civilian government.

Putin has advocated for a return to constitutional order in Niger, while Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner, welcomed the military takeover and offered his assistance.

Since the coup, support for Russia has seemingly surged in Niger, with supporters of the junta displaying Russian flags during rallies and urging France to disengage.

Niger's coup leaders have invalidated several military agreements with France, although Paris has dismissed this move by asserting that it does not recognize them as legitimate authorities.