Niger’s junta asks for help from Russian group Wagner

 via AP

 Niger’s new military junta has asked for help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner as the deadline nears for it to release the country’s ousted president or face possible military intervention by the West African regional bloc, according to an analyst.

The request came during a visit by a coup leader, Gen. Salifou Mody, to neighboring Mali, where he made contact with someone from Wagner, Wassim Nasr, a journalist and senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, told The Associated Press. He said three Malian sources and a French diplomat confirmed the meeting first reported by France 24.

“They need (Wagner) because they will become their guarantee to hold onto power,” he said, adding that the group is considering the request. A Western military official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment, told the AP they have also heard reports that the junta asked for help from Wagner in Mali.

Here 

I find this a bit stunning.  ECOWAS gave the Junta a deadline to return the previous govt to power.

I don't recall EVER hearing about this type of activity on the continent.  Unfortunately coups happen all the time and most never result in a group of nations intervening.

I almost suspect that there is an outside force acting here.

I'm pretty sure the Junta agrees or else they wouldn't be seeking out Wagner's assistance.

The amount of goodwill the Russians have gained in Africa should shock and stun the West.  If the French do attempt to intervene (acting with ECOWAS) and drags the US into some type of peacekeeping operation (the UN hasn't been seen but they'll be the cover used if the French act) then the stage will be set for the super power fight in Africa I've been predicting (maybe proxy but a fight still).