The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed its concern over the possible engagement of Wagner Group, a private military contractor from Eastern Europe, in the ongoing crisis within the Republic of Niger. ECOWAS has emphasized that it will attribute responsibility to Russia should the Wagner Group become entangled in the situation.
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, conveyed this message during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program. Musah highlighted that another West African country has a distinct arrangement with the Russian private military security entity.
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Moreover, the ECOWAS official cautioned Wagner Group against any violation of human rights, particularly in the aftermath of the coup in Niger. Musah underscored the significance of adhering to ethical and legal standards.
Musah acknowledged that Wagner Group is presently active in Mali under an agreement between the Malian government and the Russian Federation. He stressed the importance of holding countries accountable for any potential transgressions committed by private military contractors within the region.
Private military companies have been involved in various conflicts across Africa over the years, including Sierra Leone and Liberia during their civil wars. Musah pointed out that despite their presence, such groups are not widely accepted in Africa, and their countries of origin should bear responsibility for any breaches.
In a related development, Musah drew attention to the distressing conditions under which the deposed Niger president, Mohamed Bazoum, and his son are being held by the leaders of the coup. He expressed ECOWAS’ intent to take action, if necessary, to ensure the well-being of President Bazoum and his son, who are currently facing dire circumstances.
Meanwhile, in response to the crisis in Niger, West African chiefs of staff have scheduled a meeting for Saturday subsequent to a summit that called for the deployment of a “standby force” to address the situation in the Niger Republic, according to regional military sources.
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