Russia has dispatched air defense systems, military trainers, and other equipment to the Niger Republic to strengthen security relations with the West African country.
The military administration of Niger decided to increase military collaboration with Russia in January, following the expulsion of French forces that were assisting in quelling violent uprisings in multiple Sahelian countries.
However, when it announced late on Thursday that “the latest military equipment and military instructors” from Russia’s Ministry of Defence had landed in the city, broadcaster Tele Sahel showed a Russian transport plane arriving at Niamey airport.
According to the claim, Russia will assist in “installing an air defence system… to ensure complete control of our airspace.”
On its Facebook page, state-run Radio Television du Niger announced that 100 Russian military instructors had arrived in Niamey.
Russia, which has been trying to increase its influence in Africa by portraying itself as a peaceful nation without a history of colonization there, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
One of the poorest nations on Earth, Niger had previously fought alongside the West against armed insurgents in the Sahel, but after a coup deposed elected President Mohamed Bazoum in July of last year, the country has turned to Russia.