Russian military trainers have recently arrived in Niger, accompanied by an air defense system and other equipment, as part of the country’s expanding security ties with Moscow. Niger’s military government decided in January to strengthen military cooperation with Russia, following the expulsion of French forces that were assisting in the fight against armed uprisings in several Sahel nations.
According to a report by Tele Sahel, a Russian transport plane landed at Niamey airport, carrying the latest military equipment and military instructors from Russia’s Ministry of Defense. The report further stated that Russia will assist in installing an air defense system to ensure complete control of Niger’s airspace.
Radio Television du Niger also confirmed the arrival of 100 Russian military instructors in Niamey through its Facebook page. However, there has been no immediate response from Russia, which has been actively working to expand its influence in Africa, positioning itself as a friendly nation without a colonial background on the continent.
