Dozens of Russian military instructors have recently landed in Niger as part of a new agreement with the country’s junta, which has severed ties with its Western allies.
The instructors, accompanied by a state-of-the-art air defense system, are set to install the system and provide training to Niger’s army on its usage.
Niger, one of three countries combatting an Islamist insurgency in the Sahel region, has taken steps to strengthen its ties with Russia. A spokesperson for Niger’s military government confirmed that the Russian instructors are in the country to train soldiers.
The Russian Defence Ministry’s paramilitary group Africa Corps, also known as the Russian Expeditionary Corps (REK), stated on Telegram that this initial group of servicemen and volunteers deployed to Niger aims to enhance military cooperation between the two nations. They brought specialized military equipment to aid in training, as shown in footage of the instructors unloading a cargo plane on Niger’s state television.
Political analyst Ulf Laessing suggested that the military supplies could be part of a “regime survival package” for Niger’s junta, which ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum last year. The junta has since severed military and diplomatic ties with France, the former colonial power, as well as revoked an agreement with the United States.
The European Union suspended security cooperation with Niger following the coup, and the military government remains wary of potential interference from the West African political and economic alliance known as Ecowas. This apprehension may explain the deployment of a Russian air defense system to Niger, as there is concern about external intervention.
Niger continues to face insecurity, with increased violence from the Islamic State group and ongoing threats from Boko Haram militants near its border with Nigeria. A recent attack in the Tillabery region resulted in the deaths of at least six soldiers when their patrol vehicle struck a landmine. The defense ministry conducted an airstrike to neutralize those responsible for planting the explosive device.
While the military government cited deteriorating security conditions in Niger as the reason for the coup, sporadic insurgent attacks persist, particularly in the Tillabery region. The presence of Russian military instructors and advanced equipment underscores the country’s efforts to address its security challenges and remain resilient in the face of internal and external threats.
