Military equipment advisors arrive in Niger from Russia

Additional Russian military advisors and equipment have arrived in Niger, where the government has expressed its desire for U.S. forces to withdraw, welcoming these new developments

On April 10, an initial group of approximately 100 Russian advisors arrived in Niger, accompanied by air defense systems.

Tele Sahel reported that two military transporters arrived on Saturday, bringing the total number of cargo planes sent by Russia to three in the past month. These planes contained military equipment and instructors.

The Africa Corps, regarded as the successors of the Wagner paramilitary organization in Africa, verified the arrival of the instructors in a message on the group’s Telegram account.

On Saturday, there was an increase in the number of trainers, equipment, and food products that arrived.

On Thursday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the deployment of Russian forces to a Nigerien air base near the Niamey airport, which also houses U.S. troops.

The military junta in Niger, which assumed control through a coup in July 2023, forcibly removed French troops stationed in the country and subsequently renounced a military cooperation pact with the United States. According to the source, Washington imposed this action without consulting or seeking agreement from others.

In April, Washington consented to remove its approximately 1,000 soldiers from the country.

Negotiations about the withdrawal are currently underway between the U.S. and Niger.

U.S. military established a strategically significant drone base near Agadez at a significant expense of approximately $100 million.

The military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, who are currently in power due to military coups, have strengthened their ties with Russia. Additionally, these countries are fighting against rebel factions affiliated with al-Qaida and Daesh.

Source: Newsroom