Russian military instructors have landed in Niger’s capital, Niamey, signaling Moscow’s increasing influence in the troubled Sahel region of West Africa.
The specialists, seen unloading equipment from a cargo plane, aim to enhance the capabilities of the Nigerien army and foster military cooperation between Russia and Niger, as stated by one instructor to Niger state TV RTN.
Additionally, the instructors are bringing an air defense system, further indicating Russia’s commitment to bolstering Niger’s security.
This deployment follows a recent agreement between Niger’s junta and Russia to strengthen security cooperation, underscoring the country’s shift towards Moscow since the junta took power in a coup last year.
Niger, like neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, has opted to sever longstanding military and diplomatic ties with France, turning to Russia for assistance in combating a jihadist insurgency plaguing the region.
