Evgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, mocked Acting U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland after she warned Niger’s coup leaders against working with his private military company.
“I am proud of the boys from Wagner,” Prigozhin told reporters, according to RT. “Just the thought of them makes ISIS and Al Qaeda small, obedient, silky boys. And the US has recognized a government that it did not recognize yesterday just to avoid meeting the Wagner PMC in the country. This brings joy, Mrs. Nuland.”
Nuland, who was a major player in the U.S.-backed coup in Ukraine, was asked about the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum’s government. The coup was fueled by the country’s desire to break from from French and U.S. influence. Washington sees a major risk that Russia may extend its reach in West Africa.
Pro-junta protesters took to the streets in Niger’s capital city, Niamey, waving Russian flags earlier this month and chanted “Putin” just days after soldiers in the country ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, a major ally of the U.S. who was elected in 2021.
She said the U.S. is willing to help Niger return to “constitutional order.”
