Media: Türkiye to provide military training to Niger against extremist groups

Türkiye will soon deploy its troops to help train Niger's military to counter militant groups as Ankara increasingly turns its focus to Africa, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Türkiye has been pursuing a closer security partnership with Niger since 2020, when the countries signed a military training and cooperation agreement, the sources told Middle East Eye.

In July, Türkiye and Niger also signed a military financial cooperation agreement, further solidifying their commitment to work together in defence.

Ibrahim Bachir Abdoulaye, a doctoral researcher at the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies, told MEE that Russian support for Niger has proven insufficient to meet the country’s defence needs, making it necessary for Nigeriens to diversify their foreign relations.

“At this point, Türkiye, with its developing defence industry, growing interest in the Sahel region and independent foreign policy, has become an ideal partner for Niger,” he said.

“Although the exact contents of the agreement are not yet known, many sources claim that it allows for the presence of Turkish troops in Niger,” he said, adding that “For Niger, this agreement is crucial for strengthening its army, ensuring the stability of the regime, and countering western influence.”

A source familiar with Ankara’s thinking told MEE that those recent developments in Syria and Iraq have made it easier for Türkiye to redeploy some forces to Africa. Since May, Ankara’s new outreach to Kurdish groups has created an uneasy calm in both countries.

According to the source, a small number of Turkish commandos and special forces, who in the past served and gained experience in Syria and Iraq, will be sent to Niger, where they will assist the army in training in the fight against the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.

The deployment doesn’t require Turkish parliamentary approval, as troops will serve in a limited “visiting” role without establishing a base or securing territory.

Over the past four years, Türkiye has expanded its Sahel presence through arms sales, training, and advisory support, and this partnership may extend to strategic sectors like oil and uranium, enhancing Türkiye’s regional influence.

By Khagan Isayev