Army motion towards coup leaders in Niger would result in a “protracted confrontation”, Russia has warned.
On Friday, the West African bloc Ecowas permitted a “standby pressure” in response to the navy takeover in Niger, and Ivory Coast’s president stated it could be deployed “as soon as possible”.
The US has backed efforts to revive Niger’s deposed chief Mohamed Bazoum.
Coup supporters, some waving Russian flags, protested at a French navy base close to the capital.
Moscow has not formally backed the coup however the collapse of Niger’s democracy dangers pitting Russia towards the West in a proxy stand-off.
Each France and the US function navy bases in Niger, which have been used to launch operations towards jihadist teams current within the wider area.
Supporters of the navy junta have known as on Western nations to depart the nation and voiced help for Russia.
On Friday protesters have been seen chanting “down with France, down with Ecowas” at a French base on the outskirts of the capital metropolis Niamey.
Some have been carrying Russian flags, AFP reported, and voiced help for Abdourahamane Tiani, the general now running the country.
In a press release issued on Friday, Russia’s overseas ministry warned different West African nations to not ship troops into Niger.
It stated: “We imagine {that a} navy resolution to the disaster in Niger may result in a protracted confrontation in that African nation, and to a pointy destabilisation of the state of affairs within the Sahara-Sahel area as an entire.”
Army officers from Ecowas nations are reportedly set to fulfill on Saturday to draft plans for a navy intervention.
The bloc has stated it stays open to discovering a diplomatic resolution to the disaster, however Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu stated on Thursday: “No choice is taken off the desk, together with using pressure as a final resort.”
The US has not explicitly backed navy motion however has known as on the junta to step apart and permit the restoration of the nation’s democratic structure.
In a press release, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken stated: “The USA appreciates the willpower of Ecowas to discover all choices for the peaceable decision of the disaster.”
Individually, Mr Blinken told the BBC earlier this week he believes Russian mercenary group Wagner may search to make the most of instability in Niger.
Fears are rising for the well being and security of President Bazoum, who has been held captive because the navy seized energy on July 26.
United Nations Excessive Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated on Friday: “Credible experiences I’ve acquired point out that the situations of detention may quantity to inhuman and degrading therapy, in violation of worldwide human rights legislation.”
European Union overseas coverage chief Josep Borrell stated he believes Mr Bazoum and his household “have been disadvantaged of meals, electrical energy and medical look after a number of days”.