Russia uses social media channels to exploit Niger coup

Moscow aiming to increase influence in Africa, winning lucrative contracts and gaining access to key resources

Social media channels associated with the Russian state have launched a major effort to exploit the military coup in Niger last month, seeking to reinforce Moscow's influence in the strategic African country and possibly open opportunities for intervention.

Mohamed Bazoum, the pro-western elected president, was ousted by senior army officers on 26 July and is being held a prisoner in his official residence in Niamey. African leaders have threatened military action to oust the new regime but advocates of intervention have so far been unable to rally sufficient support.