Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a devastating attack on Niger's army on March 21.
According to the group, the ambush near the town of Teguey in the Tillaberi region led to the deaths of 30 soldiers, as reported through its Amaq news agency and Telegram channel. Niger's defence ministry initially reported 23 casualties.
For 12 years, Niger, along with other neighbouring nations in West Africa, has faced ongoing terrorism from across the border with Mali. This has resulted in the displacement of millions of people, causing a severe humanitarian crisis.
West Africa, including Niger, has been suffering from increased Islamist violence since 2020. This has led to a number of military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These coups have altered diplomatic relationships, as the new governments have distanced themselves from Western allies and sought support from alternative partners.
Niger, for instance, recently terminated a military agreement permitting US soldiers on its territory, preferring to seek assistance from non-traditional allies such as Russia.
Related Articles
Africa Finance Corporation secures $524mn-equivalent Samurai loan amid rising Japanese demand
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the pan-African infrastructure financier, has closed a $524mn-equivalent dual-currency Samurai term-loan facility, marking its largest such transaction to date and ... more
Dongfeng expands China’s EV push in South Africa with four-brand launch targeting middle-class buyers
China’s Dongfeng Motor, the smallest of the country’s “Big Four” automakers, has launched four new electric-vehicle brands in South Africa as it seeks to capture middle-income consumers in ... more
Kodal begins spodumene exports from Mali to China amid lithium market rebound
Kodal Minerals (AIM: KOD) has completed its first shipment of spodumene concentrate from the Bougouni lithium project in southern Mali to offtake partner Hainan Mining Co. in China, marking the ... more
Most Read
-
The birth of a Kazakh banking empire: ATF Bank
3 years ago
-
India’s smart metering push gains momentum
4 months ago
-
The birth of a Kazakh banking empire: ATF Bank
3 years ago