Niger receives new Russian military advisors, equipment: State media
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Tele Sahel says Russia has now sent three cargo planes of military material and instructors to Niger in the past month.
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Nigeriens hold a Russian flag at the start of a protest to fight for the country's freedom and push back against foreign interference in Niamey, Niger, on Aug. 3, 2023. (AP/Sam Mednick, File)
New Russian military advisors and military equipment have arrived in Niger, according to state television in the West African country.
A first set of about 100 Russian advisors had arrived in Niger on April 10 along with air defense systems. Two military transporters arrived Saturday, according to Tele Sahel, which said that Russia has now sent three cargo planes of military material and instructors in the past month after talks between military ruler General Abdourahamane Tiani and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed Thursday that Russian troops were now installed at a Nigerien air base near the Niamey airport that also houses US troops.
Austin said the Russian deployment did not pose a "significant issue... in terms of our force protection."
"Air base 101 where our forces [are], is a Nigerien air force base that is co-located with an international airport in the capital city. The Russians are in a separate compound and don't have access to US forces or access to our equipment," he said at a news conference
Niger's military authorities, which took power in a July 2023 coup, expelled French troops based in the country and then denounced a military cooperation agreement with the United States.
Washington agreed in April to withdraw its 1,000 soldiers from the country and is now engaged in negotiations with Niamey regarding an orderly withdrawal.
It is noteworthy that US forces have a key drone base near Agadez, built at a cost of about $100 million, which witnessed hundreds of protesters gathering in its vicinity to denounce its presence in the country.
In late April, Nigerien diplomat Ali Tassa told Al Mayadeen that Niger is determined to expel US forces from its territory.
"Washington initially wanted to negotiate the continuation of an air base, but the Nigerian government refused," Tassa underlined.
He stressed that Niger was open to collaboration with Russia, China, Iran, and any country that respects its sovereignty, adding that his country is strengthening its relations with Moscow.
The diplomat affirmed that Niger is "interested in strengthening its army to confront terrorism."
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