Niger seeks post-coup alliance with Mali and Burkina Faso in Russia-linked shift

The military junta in Niger, following their coup against President Mohamed Bazoum, has shown interest in cooperating with neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso.

These nations are already under military-led governments and have strengthened ties with Russia.

Niger, one of Africa’s poorest countries, was previously France’s main ally in the unstable Sahel region and had maintained a cautious distance from Mali and Burkina Faso.

After the coup, Niger’s junta accused France of landing a military plane at Niamey international airport, despite a declared border closure.

The junta further warned against any foreign military intervention, amidst speculated presence of French military personnel in Niamey.

The coup unfolds amidst an increasing anti-French sentiment in the Sahel, heightened by Mali and Burkina Faso expelling French forces from their territories.

While Niger did not participate in the Russia-Africa summit held in Saint Petersburg recently, Russian media reported that representatives from Niger had met with the head of the Wagner group of mercenaries, Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The ousted Nigerien President, Mohamed Bazoum, had previously expressed concerns about the influence of Wagner and a potential coup backed by them.

Following the coup, the self-proclaimed head of the junta, General Abdourahamane Tiani, criticized Bazoum for not cooperating with Burkina Faso and Mali, signaling a potential strengthening of ties with these neighboring nations.

These three countries share an area known as “the three borders,” a vast, dangerous territory currently experiencing a resurgence of jihadist activity.

The region suffers not only from terrorism and political instability but also the impacts of climate change.

According to the UN, 4.3 million people in Niger (from a population of 26 million) rely on humanitarian aid, making it one of the most delicate areas in the world.

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