The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has received a warning from Russia regarding a proposed military intervention in the ongoing political unrest in the Niger Republic.
Such a move, according to Russia, could make the crisis worse.
On Thursday, ECOWAS leaders decided to send a “standby force” to Niger in an effort to restore constitutional democracy and restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, who currently serves as the ECOWAS chairperson, stated unequivocally that “no option is off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.
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“However, Russia warns that a military solution might result in a “protracted confrontation”.
The Russian foreign ministry stated, “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 destabilization of the situation in the Sahara-Sahel region as a whole.”.
The coup leaders have not received official support from Russia
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