Russia's West Africa Strategy: Protecting Allies Over Fighting Enemies
Russian forces were brought in to help defeat jihadists but they also defend the military leadership in Niger.
Russia's deployment in Niger appears to serve a dual function: countering jihadist insurgents while also protecting the ruling military junta, suggesting Moscow is prioritizing regime security as a means of securing strategic partnerships in West Africa. This arrangement may complicate Niger's relations with Western partners and could affect regional security cooperation, as the junta's reliance on Russian forces potentially reduces incentives for civilian-led governance transitions.
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