INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
New Russian military advisers and military equipment have arrived in Niger, according to state television in the African country that wants
United States forces to leave.A first set of about 100 Russian advisers had arrived in Niger on April 10 along with air defense systems.Two
military transporters arrived Saturday, according to Tele Sahel that said Russia has now sent three cargo planes of military material and
instructors in the past month.The Africa Corps, seen as the successors of the Wagner paramilitary group in Africa, confirmed the
instructors' arrival in a posting on the group's Telegram account.On Saturday, it said more trainers, equipment, and food products had
arrived.United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin indicated Thursday that Russian troops were now installed at a Nigerien air base near
the Niamey airport that also houses United States troops.Niger's military regime, which took power in a July 2023 coup, expelled French
troops based in the country and then denounced a military cooperation agreement with the United States
It said this had been "unilaterally imposed" by Washington.Washington agreed in April to withdraw its roughly 1,000 soldiers in the
country.Negotiations are underway between the United States and Niger about the the withdrawal.United States forces have a key drone base
near Agadez, built at a cost of about $100 million.Niger's military leaders have moved closer to Russia, as have neighboring Mali and
Burkina Faso which also have military coup leaders and are fighting rebel groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.In April,
Idrissa Soumana Maiga, head of the private L'Enqueteur newspaper, was imprisoned after an article mentioned the "presumed" installation of
Russian listening devices in official buildings.
