Military specialists and trainers from the Russia have arrived in Niamey to train the country’s national army, local stations are reporting.
The trainers arrived in Niger’s capital, Niamey on Wednesday as Moscow continues to bolster its influence in West Africa’s Sahel region.
“We are here to train the Nigerien army …(and) to develop military cooperation between Russia and Niger,” one of the instructors told Niger state TV RTN.
According to the broadcaster, the trainers are also bringing an air defence system.
This is coming following a recent security deal between Niger’s junta and Russia.
After the 2023 coup which ousted President Bazoum, the West African country broke off long-standing military and diplomatic ties with France and, like neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, aligned with Russia for support against terrorist insurgents.
