Putin "stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution of the
situation for a more stable Sahel," Goita said on social media
platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Western powers fear that Niger could go the same way as
neighbouring Mali, whose leaders hired mercenaries from Russia's
Wagner group to help them fight an insurgency after they
overthrew the democratic government three years ago and kicked
out French troops.
Putin has called for a return to constitutional order in Niger,
while Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin welcomed the coup.
Support for Russia has appeared to surge in Niger since the July
26 coup, with junta supporters waving Russian flags at several
rallies.
(Reporting by Nellie Peyton; editing by John Stonestreet and
Estelle Shirbon)
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