In the first official visit since the July coup in Niger, a Russian delegation led by Deputy Defence Minister Colonel-General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov engaged in talks with Niger’s military leaders.
During the meeting in Niamey, the parties signed documents aimed at enhancing military cooperation between Niger and the Russian Federation.
This diplomatic move comes as France, Niger’s former colonial ruler, withdraws its troops from the country in response to demands from the military rulers who ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
The visit underscores Russia’s advantageous position in Niger, with diplomatic ties between the two nations deepening.
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The talks focused on bolstering military collaboration amid the complex security landscape in the Sahel region, where Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are grappling with persistent jihadist insurgencies.
The military regimes in these countries have joined forces to establish the Alliance of Sahel States, fostering closer economic ties and mutual defense assistance.
Earlier, the Russian delegation visited Mali, a key ally in the region, where discussions included various development projects, such as work on renewable and nuclear energy.
Mali’s finance minister, Alousseni Sanou, highlighted plans for a railway and tramway network, the creation of a regional airline, and mining projects.
This move aligns with the collective efforts of Sahel nations to strengthen regional cooperation in the face of security challenges.
Over the weekend, Burkina Faso and Niger joined Mali in withdrawing from the G5 anti-jihadist force in the Sahel region, dealing another blow to counterinsurgency efforts in one of the world’s most troubled zones.
The evolving diplomatic landscape in the Sahel region reflects shifting alliances and strategic partnerships as nations navigate security challenges and economic development initiatives.
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