Italy dismisses Russia's involvement in Niger coup as Joe Biden urges Bazoum release

In a surprising twist of events, Italian government has brushed aside any suspicions of Moscow's involvement in recent military coup in Niger. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani set record straight in an interview with La Repubblica, asserting that re is evidence to suggest Russia's hand in political turmoil that has gripped West African nation.

"We have information of Russia’s involvement in Nigerien events, or preparation of coup," he told outlet.

“Many, perhaps all in Europe, have been taken by surprise” by coup, he said. “body knew about it, neir US r France.” 

Tajani's remarks unveiled a certain level of astonishment shared by both United States and France, who found mselves caught off guard by sudden turn of events in Niger. coup, which unfolded last Wednesday, was a shock to global community.

Russia has condemned coup as well

Russia, too, has unequivocally condemned coup, labeling it a violation of Niger's constitution and urging restraint on all sides. Ecomic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc backed by Western powers, has taken a stern stance by imposing sanctions on junta responsible for coup and even hinting at possibility of military intervention to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden on Thursday, August 3, called for 'immediate release' of Bazoum, 63, who has been detained in Nigerian Capital of Niamey by country's Presidential Guards.

dressing speculation surrounding Russia's role, Tajani dismissed any tions of Moscow playing a covert game in Sahel nation. sight of Nigerien protesters brandishing photographs of Russian President Vlimir Putin, he suggested, seemed more motivated by anti-French sentiments than any genuine Russian involvement.

Italy's troops will remain in Niger

Remarkably, coup seems to have caught many European powers off guard, including US and France, both of whom boast a significant military presence in Niger, including troops and drone bases for counter-terrorism operations. Italian contingent, numbering around 350 soldiers, has opted to remain within ir barracks during this tumultuous period, according to Tajani.

Tajani also shed light on surprising predicament of Nigerien authorities, revealing that Prime Minister Uhumudu Mahamou was attending a UN food summit in Rome when crisis unfolded back home. As discussions shifted to broer Russian presence in region, Tajani ackwledged alleged presence of Wagner Group members but underscored that it is a separate issue.

He ted that Russia has roitly cultivated a foothold in region over years, emphasizing that Italy remains committed to peaceful solutions rar than vocating for European military intervention. He also ded that his French counterpart Carine Colonna hasn't discussed topic of intervention with him. 

In a climate of uncertainty, Italy's stance champions diplomatic efforts to restore democracy in Niger. Amid geopolitical chessboard, world watches as se developments unfold, wondering what next move will be in complex puzzle of global politics.