Niger Receives Russian Military Trainers and Expels US Military

Following an agreement between Vladimir Putin and the junta in Niger to improve cooperation, representatives from Russia’s defense ministry arrived in Niger.

According to Niger’s state television, RTN, military instructors and representatives from Russia’s defense ministry came in Niger on Wednesday, indicating that, like its neighbors under junta rule, Niger and Moscow are strengthening their relations.

On Thursday, RTN showed images of people dressed in military uniforms watching as a military cargo jet unloaded goods. According to the article, this deployment was carried out in response to a recent agreement to improve collaboration between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the junta in Niger.

“Our purpose is to train the Nigerien army and foster military cooperation between Russia and Niger,” a guy wearing a camouflage outfit, who was recognized by RTN as an instructor, declared. The man spoke on camera during the show, with the majority of his face hidden under a neck gaiter.

In addition, RTN said that Russia had consented to set up an anti-aircraft defense system in Niger, adding, “Our airspace will now be better protected.”

Following Niger’s decision to revoke its military agreement with the United States in mid-March, Russian instructors have begun to deploy. Under this deal, Pentagon employees may operate out of two facilities, one of which was a drone facility built for more than $100 million.

Later, the Pentagon disclosed that U.S. officials had warned Niger about siding with Russia prior to the junta ending the contract that governed about a thousand U.S. military personnel stationed there.