Niger : The country seeks to strengthen its security cooperation with Italy
The Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, recently gave an interview to La Repubblica where he emphasized Niger’s efforts to establish mutually beneficial cooperation with Italy in the field of security.
Zeine mentioned that while Niger has worked closely with the United States in the past, primarily on intelligence against terrorism, he believes it is time to extend this cooperation to other countries, including Italy.
« We have already actively worked with the United States in the fight against terrorism, but I think it is possible to go further », said Zeine. He also noted that Niger’s Minister of Defense had already engaged in discussions with various countries, including Italy, to establish bilateral agreements in the field of security.
The recent alliance between Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso was also addressed by the Prime Minister. He described this alliance as « an attempt to return to independence and full sovereignty ». Zeine highlighted the progress made in the fight against jihadist terrorism, including Boko Haram, through this regional alliance.
Regarding France, Zeine noted that the decision to withdraw French forces was not up to his government, which Paris does not recognize. « France, as always, has tried to manage internal processes in Niger, and we have all said that this was enough », explained Zeine.
Asked about Europe’s concerns regarding Russia’s growing influence in the Sahel, the Nigerien Prime Minister affirmed his country’s sovereignty. « We decide on migrants and Russia, Europe does not teach us lessons », he said.
In summary, Niger under the leadership of Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine seeks to strengthen its ties with Italy in the field of security, while consolidating a regional alliance with Mali and Burkina Faso to combat terrorism. Zeine’s comments reflect a desire to maintain national sovereignty and make independent decisions regarding relations with France and Russia.
