Russian diplomatic missions are on the rise in Africa.
According to Sputnik, at the same time as the recent developments and unrest in Niger and some other African countries, Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, announced that Moscow has decided to reopen its embassies in Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea by the end of this year.
In this regard, Maria Zakharova said: Considering Russia’s increasing attention to the African continent and the president’s emphasis on increasing diplomatic presence in this continent, Moscow has decided to increase the number of its representatives in Africa.
Last Sunday, thousands of supporters of the coup in Niamey, the capital of Niger, gathered in front of the French embassy and chanted slogans against French policies towards their country, and set the entrance of the French embassy on fire. Previously, the French government had announced that following the coup in Niger, Paris would stop regular aid to Niger. Demonstrators also raised the Russian flag and chanted slogans in defense of this country.
Following the military coup in Niger, the British government, while condemning this coup, announced that London would suspend its long-term aid to this country.
Yesterday, Sunday, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended all financial aid to Niger and froze Niger’s assets in the central and commercial banks of the community.
Last Wednesday, the members of Niger’s presidential guard announced in a statement on the country’s national television that the government of “Mohammed Bazoum”, the president of Niger, has been overthrown and arrested, the borders have been closed, and martial law is in place in this country until further notice.
According to local reports in Niger, the president of the country was arrested on Wednesday morning last week by the forces of the presidential guard inside the presidential palace.
The command of the armed forces of Niger had previously declared solidarity with the military rebels from the presidential guard of this country. In the statement issued by the command of the Niger Army, it was stated in this regard: Any foreign military intervention in Niger will have disastrous consequences for the people and the country.
It was said that General Omar Chiani was behind this coup attempt. Chiani has been serving as the commander of Niger’s presidential guard for about 10 years. Reports indicate that Bazoom was planning to remove Chiani from his position.
Also, “Joseph Borrell”, the head of the European Union’s foreign policy, announced on Saturday that the European Union does not and will not recognize the powers resulting from the coup in Niger.
