Rebels Aware of Risks If 'Wagner' Invited to Country, Nuland in Niger

U.S. acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland is in Niger. She has been conducting negotiations with military leaders who previously removed the country’s president from power. Nuland informed reporters that the rebels are aware of the 'sovereignty risks' if 'Wagner' is invited.

Nuland stated that “the discussions were very candid and sometimes quite tough.” She added, “We wanted to have an open dialogue with those responsible for the challenges to democratic order, to see if we can try to resolve the issues diplomatically.”

Representatives from the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union, and the United Nations are expected to join the negotiations in Niamey today.

Recall that on the night of July 27, Niger's military announced the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum and the transfer of power to the 'National Council for the Salvation of the Fatherland', as well as the closing of borders, suspension of the constitution, and banning of any political party activities.

The authorities of Mali and Burkina Faso have threatened that any foreign intervention in Niger’s affairs will be regarded as a declaration of war against them.