Prigozhin praised the coup in Niger after the general declared himself president

This week, the Niger military is attacking the headquarters of the ruling Party for Democracy and Socialism. Photo: AFP via Getty. Images

In his televised speech on Friday, General Ciani was named on an on-screen banner as president of the newly formed military council, the National Council for the Defense of the Homeland (CNSP).

This happened when Vladimir Putin quoted Nelson Mandela on Petersburg summit with African leaders, the purpose of which was to exploit anti-colonial sentiment on the continent and strengthen support for Moscow.

In a voice message broadcast on the channels of the Telegram application, associated with Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin denied his group's involvement in coup, but called it a moment of long overdue liberation.

“What happened in Niger is nothing but the struggle of the people of Niger against their colonialists,” said Prigozin.

This message was the last sign that Prigozhin and his people continue to operate in Africa, where they still have security contracts in some countries such as the Central African Republic (CAR) and are looking to expand.

Niger is seen as the West's last strong partner in the fight against jihadists linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group in the African Sahel region, where Russia and the West vie for influence in the fight against extremism.

France has 1,500 soldiers in the country, while other European countries and the United States help train the country's troops.

in front of the headquarters of the former ruling party after the violence. Credit: Issifu Djibo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Extremists in Niger have attacked civilians and military personnel, but the overall security situation is not as dire as in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, which pushed out the French army.

Mali's rulers have already formed a close alliance with Russia and turned to Wagner for support, and it is believed that mercenaries will soon appear in Burkina Faso.

There are now fears that Niger may follow suit.< /p>

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that he was ready to support sanctions against those responsible for what he called a «dangerous» coup in the country.