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Russia and Niger agree to develop military ties, says Moscow

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Defence ministers from the two countries agreed to intensify actions to stabilise the situation in the region.

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Niger’s military council took power after ousting President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. (AP pic)

MOSCOW:
Russia and Niger, under military rule since a coup last year, have agreed to develop military cooperation, the Russian defence ministry said on Tuesday.

According to Russian news agencies, Russian deputy defence ministers Yunus-Bek Yevkurov and Alexander Fomin met Niger’s junta-appointed defence minister Salifu Modi on Tuesday.

“The parties noted the importance of developing Russian-Niger relations in the defence sector and agreed to intensify joint actions to stabilise the situation in the region,” – the ministry said, adding that it aims to continue dialogue on “increasing the combat readiness” of Niger’s military.

The ministry has not provided details about its plans.

Niger’s military council, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, took power after ousting President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.

Niger’s junta has kicked out French troops and severed security pacts with the European Union, leaving Western allies concerned that the country could become a new foothold for Russia in the region.

Niger’s junta-appointed prime minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine has also arrived in Moscow. During the visit, Zeine intends to discuss widening a partnership with Russia in the areas of defence, agriculture and energy.

Niger’s uranium and oil reserves and its pivotal role in fighting Islamist militants in the Sahel region give it economic and strategic importance for the US, Europe, China and Russia.

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