Niger Plans to Enhance Military Capabilities in Cooperation with Russia

Niger's Minister of Defense, General Salifou Modi, stated, "Since we arrived in Moscow 72 hours ago, we have been discussing ways to enhance cooperation between our two countries. This is still the beginning, and our collaboration is in a phase of growth. In the field of security and defense, things are moving quickly. We have already held a number of meetings in Niamey, and we have completed work here in Moscow. Very soon, we will start building our military capabilities." The Nigerien Minister of Defense arrived in Russia on January 15 as part of a government delegation. On July 26, a group of military personnel from the presidential guard in Niger dismissed President Mohamed Bazoum, and the National Council for the Defense of the Homeland was formed to govern the country, headed by the guard's commander, Abdourahamane Tiani. On August 10, Tiani signed a decree establishing a transitional government.