Russian Military Instructors, Air-Defense System Arrive in Niger: State TV

If confirmed, the reported deployment is a further sign of Russian penetration into West Africa—at the expense of Western powers.

Supporters of Niger's National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland wave Russian flags as they demonstrate in Niamey, Niger, on Aug. 6, 2023. AFP via Getty Images

Russian military instructors and personnel have arrived in the West African country of Niger, local state broadcaster RTN has reported.

On April 11, RTN aired footage of military personnel unloading equipment from a Russian Il-76 military transport plane at an unspecified airport in Niger.