Blinken on Niger: Wagner is taking advantage of instability, I don't think Russia instigated the coup

(Patria) - Russian mercenary group Wagner is "taking advantage" of instability in Niger, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the BBC.

The country has been ruled by a junta since the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum nearly two weeks ago. There have been suggestions that the coup leaders sought help from Wagner, which is known to be present in neighboring Mali.

Blinken said he did not think Russia or Wagner instigated the coup in Niger. However, the US was concerned that the group might "manifest itself" in parts of the Sahel region, he told the BBC's Focus on Africa program.

"I think what happened, and what continues to happen in Niger, was not instigated by Russia or Wagner, but... they have tried to take advantage of it," he said.

"Every place this Wagner group has gone, death, destruction, and exploitation have followed," Blinken said.

He added that "what happened in other countries is repeating itself, where they have brought only bad things."

Both the US and France have military bases in Niger as part of operations to disrupt jihadist groups operating in the wider region. Niger became the main base for French troops after they were told to leave Mali following a coup.

Wagner is believed to have thousands of fighters in countries including the Central African Republic and Mali, where it has lucrative business interests but also strengthens Russia's diplomatic and economic ties. There has been speculation that Niger's military has sought help from Wagner as the country faces the possibility of military intervention.