'Russian Technologies Will Really Help Us to Get Striking Power to End Terrorism': African Activist
© AP Photo / Sam Mednick
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In mid-April, Russian military instructors came to Niger to train the country's personnel in counter-terrorism and to install an air defense system. The initiative was very well received. It was described by a Malian political scientist as "a signal of hope and confidence," another expert from Benin called this a "good initiative."
"Russian technologies will really help us to get striking power to end terrorism," coordinator of the Nigerien branch of the Tournons la page movement, Maikoul Zodi, told Sputnik Africa, commenting on Niamey's interest in training its troops by Russia.
"Russia is a new partner who, in my opinion, will take into account the mistakes of other partners and who will comply with the current rules and who will meet the aspirations of our authorities, as well as the people of Niger and with whom we can really work hand in hand in this direction, mutually beneficial cooperation so that our country can get out of the rut," he said.
Speaking about the joint efforts of the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in the fight against terrorism, the African activist says that "it is a great honor for us to decide for ourselves" and that "the inhabitants of the Sahel must fight for their territory."
In September 2023, the military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signed a charter for the AES to create a collective defense architecture. In March, the chiefs of staff of the armed forces of the AES countries met in Niger to discuss a joint force to combat terrorism, Mali's Armed Forces said.
"With the support of Russia, we believe that we will never have terrorism again, and that this is the mission of our Armed Forces. No-one should come here to fight in our place. Because we don't want the Sahel to be our Afghanistan. That the foreign forces come to fight before leaving to make room for the terrorists," he emphasized.
Terrorist groups in Africa's Sahel region have posed a continuous threat for years, carrying out a range of crimes such as mass killings, civilian kidnappings, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.
