Russia's military presence in Africa threatens Europe and NATO's southern flank

Russian military (photo: Getty Images)

The increasing military presence of the Russian Federation in Africa allows Moscow to use its limited resources to threaten NATO's southern flank and weaken Western influence, according to a report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

In particular, the report mentions the Russian naval base in Libya. According to analysts, the base will help sustain Russian activity in the Mediterranean Sea and potentially host permanent Russian forces capable of threatening NATO's critical infrastructure with long-range cruise missile strikes from the sea.

Furthermore, the Russian occupation of the American drone base in northern Niger will create an opportunity for Russia to threaten NATO operations in the Mediterranean Sea using versions of the Shahed-136 strike UAV, which are being produced in series.

State coup in Niger

At the end of July 2023, the security forces of Niger carried out a coup d'état. President Mohamed Bazoum was taken hostage, and the country announced the overthrow of the government. Following this, the head of the presidential guard, Abdurahman Chiani, declared himself the new leader of Niger.

Several African countries were prepared to deploy their military forces to intervene in Niger to halt the coup.

At the same time, the Nigerien junta accused France of deploying troops in some West African countries with the aim of military intervention.

It was earlier reported that Russia is interested in acquiring uranium assets in Niger owned by the French company Orano SA.