Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on the level of Russian influence on the coup in Niger.

The UK condemns in the strongest possible terms attempts to undermine democracy, peace and stability in Niger and Gabon. We have not seen evidence of Wagner involvement in recent developments in Niger. More widely, it is clear that Russian engagement in the Sahel is causing instability and is not in the interests of the people of the region.

We stand firmly with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in calling for the restoration of democracy in Niger.