EXPLAINED: 16 - The Real Truth

Niger junta accuses France of plotting to 'intervene militarily'

Niger's military junta has accused France of seeking to "intervene militarily" to return deposed President Mohamed Bazoum to power as tensions mount with the country's former colonial ruler France and regional neighbours.

Radio France Internationale · Jul 31, 2023

What role is Russia playing in the Niger coup?

Thousands of supporters of the junta that seized power in Niger last week have taken to the streets to wave Russian flags and sing the name of Vladimir Putin.

The Week · Jul 31, 2023

Situation in Niger is ‘cause for serious concern’, says Kremlin

The Kremlin’s comment comes days after Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin appeared to show support for the coup.

Al Jazeera · Jul 31, 2023

Wagner mercenaries gather near the Polish border

Over 100 mercenaries belonging to the Russian-linked Wagner group in Belarus have moved close to the border with Poland, according to the Polish prime minister.

Evening Standard · Jul 29, 2023

Poland raises fears about ‘dangerous’ situation with Wagner troops near border – as it happened

Poland has been concerned about the spillover of war on to its territory ever since Russia invaded Ukraine

The Guardian - AU · Jul 29, 2023

Wagner mercenaries in Belarus move closer to the Polish border, Poland's prime minister says

The Polish prime minister says that over 100 mercenaries belonging to the Russian-linked Wagner group in Belarus have moved close to the border with Poland

The Independent UK · Jul 29, 2023

Soldiers declare Niger general as head of state following coup

Mutinous soldiers who staged a coup in Niger declared their leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, the new head of state on Friday. A spokesman also said that the constitution was suspended.

WEKU · Jul 29, 2023

Russia-Africa summit: Putin offers unconvincing giveaways in a desperate bid to make up for killing the Ukraine grain deal

The second Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg on July 27 and 28 was predictably overshadowed by the war in Ukraine – and especially Russia’s refusal to agree an extension of the Black Sea grain deal, which expired earlier in the month.

The Conversation · Jul 28, 2023

Why is Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin back in Russia after leading a 24-hour mutiny against Vladimir Putin?

Mercenary chief was said to have agreed to resettle in Belarus after June’s dramatic attempted uprising, but now appears to be in St Petersburg attending the Russia-Africa Summit

The Independent UK · Jul 28, 2023

No clarity about who's in charge in Niger, 2 days after mutinous soldiers ousted the president

Two days after mutinous soldiers ousted Niger’s democratically elected president, it was still unclear who was running the country and what mediation efforts were underway

The Independent UK · Jul 28, 2023