Russian President Vladimir Putin talked about the worsening Niger coup. During his call with Mali's interim president, Assimi Goita, the Russian leader said that a peaceful resolution is needed.
Vladimir Putin Talks About Niger Coup
According to CNN Edition's latest report, Putin and Goita had a telephone conversation on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
During their conversation, they discussed the events happening in Niger. Some analysts said that the latest discussion shows Russia's influence in the West African region.
They explained that this development will likely raise concerns among Western leaders.
"At the initiative of the Malian side, Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Transitional Period of the Republic of Mali Assimi Goita," said the Kremlin.
The discussions between Goita and Putin focused on the Sahara-Sahel region. The Russian president said that to resolve the ongoing issues in the region, exclusively peaceful political and diplomatic means are needed.
Putin also mentioned the aggression launched by the U.S. and its allies against Libya. He said that ever since Libya collapsed, the Sahara-Sahel region started suffering from terrorist attacks.
Vladimir's call for a peaceful resolution came after West African leaders ordered the deployment and activation of a regional standby force.
They did this to help restore the constitutional order in Niger after President Mohamed Bazoum was arrested by coup leaders.
Russia's Growing Influence in Niger
Ever since Bazoum was ousted, many Niger residents suddenly appear in Russian colors. BBC reported that thousands of people in the capital of Niamey recently waved Russian flags.
They also attacked the French Embassy in Niger. Experts said that this movement is spreading across the country since the coup started.
A Niger businessman said that is pro-Russia because he's against France, saying that France has been negatively affecting the country ever since he was a kid.
"They've exploited all the riches of my country such as uranium, petrol, and gold," said the Niger resident.
He added that the poorest Niger residents are still unable to have proper meals (three meals a day) because of France's influence in the country.
But, it is unclear if the coup leaders are connected with Russia or if they ousted the Niger president because of its support for France.
If you want to learn more about why Niger residents are supporting Russia's influence in the country, you can click this link.