Russia says military intervention in Niger would trigger 'destabilisation'
Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane (C), spokesperson for the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) speaking during a televised statement. Soldiers claimed on July 26, 2023 to have overthrown the government of Niger in a statement read out on national television. Photo/AFP
"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 destabilisation of the situation in the Sahara-Sahel region as a whole," the Russian foreign ministry said.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday approved the deployment of what it called a "standby force to restore constitutional order" in Niger following an emergency summit in the Nigerian capital Abuja.
Chiefs of staff from ECOWAS members will meet on Saturday in Ghana's capital Accra, regional military sources said on Friday.
The possibility of intervention in deeply fragile Niger however has sparked debate within its ranks and warnings from neighbouring Algeria as well as Russia.
Moscow on Friday said a military solution "could lead to a protracted confrontation" in Niger and "a sharp destabilisation" across the Sahel.
Military-ruled ECOWAS members Mali and Burkina Faso have warned an intervention would be a "declaration of war" on their countries.
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