Strengthening ties between Russia and Niger: military agreements signed during first official visit since the coup d’état

A Russian delegation, led by the Deputy Minister of Defense, made an official visit to Niamey, marking the first governmental contact between Russia and Niger since the coup d’état in July. The military authorities currently in power in Niger, following the coup, welcomed the delegation led by Colonel-General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov.

At the conclusion of the meeting, documents were signed to bolster military cooperation between Niger and Russia.

This visit comes during a context where Niger’s diplomatic relations with international partners were disrupted after the July coup. While France, the former regime’s favored ally, faced criticism from the new authorities, Russia seems to be in a favorable position. Nigerien authorities denounced military cooperation agreements with France, leading to the departure of its 1,500 soldiers from the country, which is dealing with jihadist violence.

The Russian delegation also visited Bamako in Mali, governed by the military and allied with Russia in the region. Discussions focused on development projects, particularly in renewable and nuclear energy, as well as issues regarding fertilizer, wheat, and petroleum product supplies. Infrastructure projects such as a railway, tramway network, establishment of a regional airline, and mining research and exploitation projects were also discussed.

The military regimes of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, all facing jihadist violence, recently strengthened their ties by forming the Alliance of Sahel States, while Burkina and Niger announced their withdrawal from the G5 Sahel anti-jihadist organization, which is preferred by Western partners.

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