Russia sends 100 military trainers to Niger

Niger; Russian military instructors have arrived in Niger with an air defense system and other equipment as part of strengthening the West African nation’s security ties with Moscow.

state media reported that Niger’s military government agreed in January to increase military cooperation with Russia, after expelling French troops who were helping fight armed rebels in several countries.

the Tele Sahel broadcaster showed a Russian transport plane arriving at Niamey airport where military trainers from the Russian Ministry of Defense had landed in the capital of Niger with air system equipment.

Russia will help set up an air defense system to ensure full control of Niger’s airspace.

Niger state television wrote on its Facebook page that 100 Russian military instructors have arrived in Niamey.

however, despite the army’s landing in Niger, there was no comment from Russia, which has been seeking to increase its influence on the countries of the African continent, declaring itself as a friendly country without colonial foundations in the continent.

Niger was a front-line partner of the West in fighting armed fighters in the Sahel but has turned to Russia since last July’s coup that overthrew elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

in March, Niger decided to revoke its military agreement with the United States that allowed Pentagon personnel to work on its soil for two bases including a drone base it built at a cost of more than $100m.

The US still maintains about 1,000 troops in Niger, but their movements have been decreasing since the revolution.