Russian military instructors have arrived in Niger as part of a new agreement with the country’s junta, which has distanced itself from the West.

They brought a state-of-the-art air defense system and are tasked with installing it and training Niger’s army.

This move comes as several Sahel region countries, ruled by military authorities, strengthen ties with Russia.

The junta, which ousted Niger’s democratically elected president, aims to bolster its regime survival by aligning with Russia, the BBC has reported.

Analysts suggest the air defense system may be aimed at protecting against regional interference rather than combating Islamist fighters.

Meanwhile, concerns arise about further delays in returning to civilian rule and escalating conflicts in the Sahel region.

Written by B.C. Begley