Niger’s PM Visits Moscow to Strengthen Economic and Military Ties

Niger’s junta-appointed Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, is currently in Moscow for discussions aimed at enhancing economic and military cooperation between Niger and Russia.

Accompanied by Defence Minister Salihou Mody as well as Niger’s ministers of petroleum and trade, the visit signals Niger’s junta’s effort to diversify its partnerships amid tough sanctions from its West African neighbours.

Reports from Paris-based news website Mondafrique suggest that Mr. Zeine’s itinerary also includes visits to Turkey, Iran, and Serbia. The junta, facing sanctions, aims to reduce Western influence, beginning with the termination of military ties with France, according to Mondafrique.