What role is Russia playing in the Niger coup?

Vladimir Putin will ‘welcome’ chance to expand influence in region, despite no indication he was behind military takeover

Coup leaders deliver a televised address on 26 July 2023
The military junta has been given one week to reinstate elected president Mohamed Bazoum
(Image credit: ORTN-Télé Sahel/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

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