A Russian delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Defense, Colonel-General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, met with Niger’s military leaders in the capital Niamey on Monday (3 December), with the two countries agreeing to strengthen military cooperation, Nigerian authorities said.
This was the first official visit by a member of the Russian government in Niger since the July 26 coup which disrupted diplomatic relations between the West African country and its international partners. At a time when Niger is grappling with security challenges, including the threat of terrorism and regional instability, the agreement with Russia to fortify their military cooperation may seem like a beacon of hope for the West African nation. This deal is widely seen as an attempt by Niger to bolster its defense capabilities, marking a significant milestone in the relationship between both nations.
At the end of the meeting between Yevkurov and his Nigerian counterpart and the head of the military regime, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the parties proceeded “to the signing of documents as part of the strengthening of military cooperation between the Republic of Niger and the Russian Federation”, according to the military authorities. Russian diplomacy finds itself in a favorable position in Niger after relations soured with the former colonial ruler France, and a key ally of the fallen regime of President Mohamed Bezoum, following the July coup, having become the target of the new junta government. A day earlier, the Russian delegation also held talks with the military leaders in Mali, Moscow’s main ally in the region, where the construction of a railway and a tram network, the creation of a regional airline, as well as research and mining projects were reportedly discussed.