The leaders of a coup in Niger have defied a threat imposed by regional powers to relinquish control or face possible military action and have instead asked Russia’s Wagner mercenary group to help them cling to power.
Mutineer soldiers had until Sunday night to return President Bazoum to power or face the consequences decided by west Africa’s regional bloc whose defence chiefs have drawn up a plan to use force.
The deadline passed without incident and the new rulers appeared at a stadium rally in Niamey, the capital, where cheers followed the beheading of a chicken decorated in the colours of the former coloniser, France. In the stands there was anti-French chanting and Russian flags being waved.
Since barricading Bazoum into his palace on July
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