Kremlin expresses concern over Niger after Wagner chief celebrates coup

The Kremlin expressed concern on Monday over the situation in Niger, whose president was ousted last week in a coup that was condemned by many ountries but welcomed by the head of Russia’s mercenary Wagner group, which has extensive interests in Africa.
In a call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said “what is happening (in Niger) is a matter of serious concern”.
“We are in favour of the speedy restoration of the rule of law in the country, we are in favour of restraint on all sides so that this does not lead to human casualties,” Peskov said.
Niger coup leaders declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state last Friday, days after saying they had ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in the seventh military takeover in West and Central Africa in less than three years.