Russia, Niger expand military relations in new agreements
Niger has expanded its military ties with Russia as the two nations reached new agreements to intensify joint actions to stabilize the situation in the region, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday.
According to Russian news outlets, Russian Deputy Defense Ministers met with Salifu Modi, Niger’s junta-appointed Defense Minister, on Tuesday.
In a statement, the defense ministry said, “The parties noted the importance of developing Russian-Niger relations in the defense sector and agreed to intensify joint actions to stabilize the situation in the region.”
It added that it aims to continue dialogue on “increasing the combat readiness” of Niger’s military.
Details of the agreement have not been made public.
Niger’s military council, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, took power after ousting President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023 and has cut ties with its former colonial power, France.
Niger’s junta also expelled French troops and terminated security agreements with the European Union, raising concerns among Western allies that the country would become a new stronghold for Russia in the area.
The United States and other Western countries have sanctioned Niger by cutting off aid to the country after the military removed President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 and detained him from leaving the country.
