...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing...(EU) security and defence missions in the country, as it welcomed a Russian delegation to Niamey.
Since the overthrow of elected president Mohammed Bazoum, the military in power has gradually severed ties with the fallen regime's Western partners. After having notably obtained the departure of French forces, ongoing until the end of December, they are looking for new allies and have notably moved closer to Russia.
The Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a blurb the denunciation of the agreement entered into by the State of Niger with the European Union relating to the European civilian mission "EUCAP Sahel Niger", active since 2012.
This mission is based in Niamey and says it has 120 Europeans and supports "internal security forces, the Nigerien authorities as well as non-governmental actors".
The ministry also declared the "withdrawal by the State of Niger of the consent granted for the deployment of an EU military partnership mission" in Niger named "EUMPM".
This mission was launched in February "at the request of the Nigerien authorities", to "support the country in its fight against armed terrorist groups", according to the EU Council website. Niger is plagued by jihadist violence in the west and southeast of the country.
The Nigerien government adds that it "decides to withdraw the privileges and immunities granted" within the framework of this mission, without details.