Iran's Quds Force commander travels to Niger after coup

Commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Brig. Gen. Esmail Qaani, has visited Niger, where a military coup took place a few days ago.

The IRGC general arrived in Niger via Libya, Israeli news service Mako reported, citing unofficial sources.

According to him, Iran is interested in strengthening its presence in Africa. The Quds Force is often the means of increasing its influence. For example, it supplies arms to the Polisario Front, which is fighting for the independence of Sahara.

"Amid panicked attempts by the new government in Niamey, the capital of Niger, to ensure the sanctity of its rule and its security - it is almost certain that it will be interested in maintaining relations with the IRGC. Tehran, will not miss out on a potential buyer of many weapons and ammunition.

West Africa has become a major battleground between the West and the Russia-China axis, joined by Iran. Over the past year, coups took place not only in Niger but also in Mali and Upper Volta. The pro-Western presidents were replaced by a military junta acting with the support of PMC ‘Wagner’,” the Israeli edition writes.