Following his ousting in a recent coup, Niger's deposed leader has called upon the United States and the "entire international community" to assist in "restoring constitutional order."

President Mohamed Bazoum conveyed his plea in an opinion piece published in the Washington Post, describing himself as a "hostage."

The country has witnessed unrest since the coup, with the coup leaders later announcing the withdrawal of Niger's ambassadors from France, the US, Nigeria, and Togo.

Niger's significance as a uranium producer, essential for nuclear power, and its location on a critical migration route to North Africa and the Mediterranean adds to the complexity of the situation.

In his newspaper article, Mr. Bazoum warned the coup, if it succeeded, would have "devastating consequences for our country, our region, and the entire world".

"Fighting for our shared values, including democratic pluralism and respect for the rule of law, is the only way to make sustainable progress against poverty and terrorism," Mr Bazoum wrote.

"The Nigerien people will never forget your support at this pivotal moment in our history."

Mr. Bazoum also warned of the coup leaders' links to the Russian mercenary group Wagner, which operates elsewhere in the region and has been seen by many as exercising a malign influence in Niger.

"The entire central Sahel region could fall to Russian influence via the Wagner group, whose brutal terrorism has been on full display in Ukraine," wrote Mr Bazoum.

Many supporters of the coup in Niger have been chanting pro-Russian slogans and wearing the colors of the Russian flag.

On Thursday, thousands of people took to the streets of Niger's capital, Niamey, in a peaceful demonstration backing the coup and criticizing other West African countries for imposing financial and trade sanctions on Niger.

There is no indication that Wagner was involved in the overthrow of Mr. Bazoum, according to the US - but Wagner's leader has reportedly described the coup as a triumph.

The military takeover has also been internationally condemned, including by the EU, the UN, and the US.

Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Mr. Bazoum on the phone, with the US saying afterward it was committed to the restoration of Niger's democratically elected government.

Mr. Bazoum, the first democratically elected president to succeed another in Niger, was detained by his own guards last week. Coup leader Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani has been installed as head of state.

Niger is a key part of the African region known as the Sahel, an area plagued by jihadists and beset by military regimes. In recent years it had been seen as an example of relative stability, while its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso succumbed to military coups.

It hosts French and US military bases and is seen as a key partner in the fight against Islamist insurgents.

President Bazoum's government has been a partner to European countries trying to stop the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean Sea, agreeing to take back hundreds of migrants from detention centers in Libya. He has also cracked down on human traffickers.

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