Niger Junta Needs Three Years to Transition Power And Wagner Group Can Pound Sand?

Two developments emerged this past weekend out of the overthrow of the Nigerien government by American-trained military junta leaders. The first one is the statement by the coup leaders that they will need three years to transition rule to civil authorities. The second one is the statement by the coup leaders that they will not be working with the group that helped bring them to power, the Wagner group, Russia’s mercenary group that once tried to overthrow Putin.

General Abdourahmane Tchiani hinted that the lengthy time was facilitated by the threat that ECOWAS (a coalition of West African nations opposed to the junta) attacking Niger. He said in a 12-minute speech “Neither the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland nor the people of Niger want war, and remain open to dialogue But let us be clear: If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think… I reaffirm here that our ambition is not to confiscate power. I also reaffirm our readiness to engage in any dialogue, as long as it takes into account the orientations desired by the proud and resilient people of Niger… “

The former U.S. ambassador to Niger, Bisa Williams, said that the junta leaders have not consolidated power. He stated, “This junta is throwing every tactic it has heard about and seeing if it will work. They have professed to have freedom of choice, yet they have repressed all of the pro-Bazoum protests and my understanding is that there have been demonstrations or attempted demonstrations all over the country.”

As for the Wagner Group that appears to at least have contributed to the junta’s success in overthrowing the duly elected government, the junta is not in the mood to replace a western master for a Russian one, though they warn the west not to force them into the arms of someone they don’t particularly like.

From Hindustantimes.com:

Niger’s military leaders have declared that they have no intention of working with Russia’s private mercenary group – Wagner. The decision was relayed by Junta-appointed PM, who warned the U.S.-led West against any action that would push Niger’s coup leaders towards partners they don’t like.