Date : 06 Dec 2024
Niger: Russia's silent conquest
As a direct consequence of Russia's increasing involvement in Africa, Niger now seems to be targeted. But is this truly an act of altruism?
In Niger, General Evkourov Lunus-Bek, vice-president of the Russian Federation's Ministry of Defense, held talks with the transitional government in early June. Far from being his first visit to Niamey, the delegation came as part of the new dynamic of cooperation between the two countries. For several years now, Russia has been trying to establish itself in Niger through partnerships. To this end, Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Zeine and several members of the Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP - National Council for the Protection of the Fatherland in English) are taking part in meetings. These high-level sessions take place in the presence of the transitional government, as well as Niger's Minister of Petroleum and his counterpart for Mines and Energy.
Coveted mines on the mute
An increasing number of visits and exchanges between the authorities of the two countries are already marking 2024. Current talks are focusing on strengthening cooperation in a number of areas, including defense, the fight against cybercrime, telecommunications, and the oil, mining and energy sectors.
While Russia claims to act in the general interest, it has concluded several security agreements with neighboring countries following the passage of the Wagner group. This demonstrates Russia's in-depth knowledge of the region, combined with a firm determination to protect its interests. In Mali and Burkina Faso, the Wagner group now operates under the name Africa Corps. It obtains mining concessions as a reward for its intervention in the security crisis, as well as in the exchange of arms, munitions and mercenaries. The Kremlin, for its part, openly acknowledges its involvement in Africa Corps.
By becoming a security partner of Niger, Russia is also hoping to gain rights to the uranium mines. Russia's state nuclear company, Rosatom, is in contact with Niger's military authorities to negotiate the acquisition of assets.
Against a backdrop of tension and economic insecurity, the Kremlin dons its savior's hat. It offers its services as a paramilitary company claiming to remedy the deteriorating security situation, while secretly maintaining it. The possible involvement of Africa Corps in future affairs could lead to a worsening of security instability with border countries such as Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon. It makes you wonder whether the latest events in Africa are in fact stones Russia has added to its edifice.