Niger has welcomed a growing contingent of Russian military advisors and equipment, according to state media reports.
This development comes amid strained relations with the United States, which is withdrawing its troops from the West African nation.
The arrival of Russian personnel follows Niger’s expulsion of French forces and its denouncement of a US military cooperation agreement.
Niger’s military regime, established through a July 2023 coup, appears to be forging closer ties with Moscow.
This aligns with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, both led by military juntas and battling Islamist insurgencies, who have also cozied up to Russia.
State television reports indicate that Russia has sent multiple cargo planes carrying military equipment and advisors to Niger in recent weeks.
This includes an initial group of roughly 100 advisors who arrived in April alongside air defense systems. Additional deliveries of trainers, equipment, and food supplies have also been reported.
The US Defense Secretary acknowledged the presence of Russian troops at a Nigerien airbase that previously housed US forces.
The US, facing strained relations with Niger’s new leadership, agreed in April to withdraw its roughly 1,000 troops stationed in the country.
Negotiations regarding the withdrawal are ongoing.
The US has expressed concern about Russia’s growing military presence in Africa.
Locally, a journalist who reported on the “presumed” installation of Russian listening devices in official buildings was imprisoned in April, raising concerns about press freedom under the new regime.
This situation highlights the shifting geopolitical landscape in West Africa, where regional instability and a fight against Islamist militants is prompting some countries to seek new partners.
