Moscow aiming to increase influence in Africa, winning lucrative contracts and gaining access to key resources
Social media channels associated with the Russian state have launched a major effort to exploit the military coup in Niger last month, seeking to reinforce Moscow’s influence in the strategic African country and possibly open opportunities for intervention.was ousted by senior army officers on 26 July and is being held a prisoner in his official residence in Niamey.
Prigozhin, who led a rebellion against Vladimir Putin in June, spearheaded a disinformation offensive in Africa that played a key role in theContent about Niger across 45 Russian Telegram channels either affiliated with the Russian state or Wagner increased 6,645% in the month following the coup, suggesting a keen interest in Moscow in exploiting the upheaval.
The research will reinforce fears that Russia will seek to win influence, lucrative contracts and access to key resources in Niger following the overthrow of Bazoum. Most observers were taken by surprise by the July coup as Niger was seen as relatively stable and with stronger democratic institutions than many of its neighbours. The country is also a key base for western forces and its army has been a partner for the US and other militaries in the unstable and troubled Sahel region.
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