Niger Terminates European Security and Defense Missions

The military regime in Niger, which has been in power since the July coup, has announced the end of two European Union (EU) security and defense missions in the country. The Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced an agreement with the EU relating to the EUCAP Sahel Niger mission, which has been active since 2012.

Additionally, the ministry announced that it was withdrawing its approval for the “EUMPM” military partnership mission to be deployed in Niger. The Nigerien government has made the decision to revoke the privileges and immunities that were given as part of this operation.

A Russian delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Defense arrived in Niamey to discuss with the military authorities. This is the first official visit by a Russian government member to the country since the July 26 coup, which disrupted diplomatic relations between Niger and its international partners.

Niger has also moved closer to neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, partners like Russia and led by soldiers resulting from coups d’état. Niger and Burkina announced their departure from the anti-jihadist organization G5 Sahel, which was financed by the European Union.