BRUSSELS, April 18 () –
The European Union has called the military approach of the Niger junta to Russia “worrying” and “dangerous”, after confirming the arrival of a hundred Russian “military instructors” following the cooperation agreement that replaces the pacts with the Union European.
Although the European bloc is not opposed in principle to the cooperation agreements of each country, an EU spokesperson has warned that deepening the military relationship with Moscow at a time when it is maintaining a war of aggression in Ukraine is “worrying and dangerous for the countries involved.
The EU points out that the rapprochement of the military authorities who carried out a coup in Niger last July is in line with the trend of other military regimes in the Sahel “with negative consequences for the population, human rights and freedoms”, in addition to for political stability and security.
Remember that the actions of the Wagner Group paramilitaries “are usually related to violations and abuses of Human Rights”, with a negative impact on the security and well-being of the population of the countries where the Russian instructors operate.
Last March, the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, assured that the bloc's military mission in Niger has ended its activity and will be formally canceled in June. Niamey announced at the end of 2023 its intention to review the military agreements signed with third countries that have a military presence in its territory, after it expelled French troops following the arrival to power of uniformed men who overthrew the president, Mohamed Bazoum.
