Niger Cuts Ties with EU Defense Missions, Turns to Russia for Military Cooperation

I

n a significant shift in defense partnerships, Niger has terminated its security and defense collaborations with the European Union, opting instead to fortify its military cooperation with Russia.

The move, announced by Niger’s Foreign Ministry on November 4, entails the discontinuation of the European Union Military Partnership Mission (EUMPM) in Niger, which had been initiated in February with the objective of bolstering the Niger Armed Forces’ capabilities to combat terrorist threats. The termination of this mission was accompanied by the revocation of privileges and immunities previously granted under the partnership.

Concurrently, the junta in Niger has also put an end to the 2012 EU civilian mission aimed at enhancing the country’s internal security forces. This cancellation of EU defense agreements coincides with a significant meeting in Niamey between Niger’s military leadership and a Russian delegation, culminating in a defense cooperation agreement signed by Russian Deputy Minister of Defense Colonel-General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov and Nigerien Defense Minister Gen. Salifou Mody.

The pivot towards Russia

This pivot towards Russia follows a suspension of financial aid and security assistance by the EU in response to the military intervention in July that ousted Niger’s elected President Mohamed Bazoum. In a related development, on August 3rd, Niger’s military rulers had already declared the annulment of military pacts with France, a move that was met with skepticism from Paris due to concerns about legitimacy.

Despite these tensions, French President Emmanuel Macron announced in September the planned end-of-year withdrawal of approximately 1,500 French troops stationed in Niger as part of a broader regional counterinsurgency operation.

Niger’s realignment towards Russian military support marks a notable change in the geopolitical landscape of West Africa and reflects the increasing Russian influence in the region’s military affairs. The consequences of this shift, both for Niger’s internal stability and regional security dynamics, are yet to unfold as international observers watch closely.

Implications for the West African region

This pursuit has recently led to a notable pivot away from Western alliances towards Russia. The junta’s actions suggest a strategic realignment and a search for partners more aligned with its current political stance.

The broader implications of this shift are significant for the West African region, where France and the EU have traditionally held considerable influence. The departure of French troops and the cessation of EU security missions represent a withdrawal of Western military presence and, potentially, a vacuum that could be filled by other powers like Russia, as indicated by the newly signed defense cooperation agreement.

As Niger navigates these sanctions and repositions itself on the global stage, the dynamics of power and influence in the region are poised for change, with the junta’s maneuvers likely to invite further scrutiny from both regional bodies and the broader international community.

Sources: Anadolu Agency and AP